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A    NEW    KKNDERING    OV 

THE   BOOK  OF   PSALMS 

{JV£PV  AND    REVISED    EDITION.) 

BY 

JOHN  DE  WITT,  D.  D.,  1^:11-- 

OF   THE   THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARY,    NEW    BRUNSWICK,  N.  J,; 
A  MEMBER   OF   THE   AMERICAN   OLD   TESTAMENT   REVISION   COMPANY. 


FUNK    &   WAG  N  ALLS 


NEW   YORK 
lo  AND  12  Dev  Street 


i8S6 


LONDON 

44  Fleet  Street 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1886,  by 

FUNK  &  WAGNALLS, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


AFFECTIONATELY   DEDICATED 

TO   THE    MEMBERS  OF 

AMERICAN  BIBLE  REVISION  COMPANY, 

WITH    WHOSE    LABORS 

THE  AUTHOR 

HAS   BEEN    DELIGHTFULLY    ASSOCIATED 
FOR    NEARLY  TWELVE    YEARS. 


JAN  -319 


,7^f^E^ 


PREFACE. 


In  introducing  his  work,  the  author  uses  some  extracts 
from  thoughts  upon  the  subject  which  he  published  in  a 
leading  periodical  several  years  ago,  when  a  large  part 
of  the  labor  of  this  translation  had  already  been  per- 
formed. 

It  seems  hardly  possible  that  an  attempt  to  translate 
faithfully  any  part  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  should  be 
thought  of  disparagingly,  as  in  rivalry  with  the  Anglo- 
American  Revision  which  will  soon  be  completed.  In 
that  Revision,  conservatism  and  compromise  are  charac- 
teristic features  and  controlling  principles.  The  Revisers 
were  obliged  by  the  rules  which  they  had  heartily 
and  wisely  adopted,  to  confine  themselves  to  the  most 
necessary  changes,  always  respecting  the  attachment 
of  English-speaking  people  to  the  Authorized  Version. 

Most  of  all  must  this  attachment  be  manifested  to  the 
more  familiar  parts  of  Scripture,  and  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment   especially    to   the   Psalms.      On    account    of  their 


VI  PREFACE. 

devotional  character  and  consequent  fitness  to  excite  or 
to  express  devotional  feeling,  the  Psalms  are  probably 
read  more  than  any  other  part  of  Scripture.  Their 
language  is  to  many  not  less  familiar  and  precious  than 
the  words  of  our  Saviour.  In  fact,  as  if  they  belonged  to 
the  New  Testament  rather  than  to  the  Old,  we  all  use 
them  as  the  readiest  and  most  apt  expression  of  our 
fellowship  with  the  Father  and  with  His  Son  Jesus 
Christ. 

What  liberties  will  the  Revisers  take  \vith  our  beau- 
tiful English  Psalms?  How  far  dare  they  suggest  by 
their  substitutions  that  their  w'ords  are  less  than 
Divine?  We  can  easily  imagine  reverent  and  pas- 
sionate attachment  declaring  itself  by  such  questions. 

This  attachment  creates  greater  embarrassment  in  the 
Psalms  than  in  any  other  portion  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
constitutes  the  most  delicate  and  difficult  feature  in 
the  Reviser's  work.  It  often  holds  him  equally  poised 
between  the  "  faithfulness "  in  rendering  the  Divine 
thought  accurately,  required  by  his  rule,  and  an  appre- 
hension that  all  he  has  labored  for  will  be  rejected.  For 
the  amended  Version  can  not  be  imposed  by  authority. 
It  can  only  be  adopted  if  generally  approved. 

It  may  be  imagined  that,  under  such  restrictions,  the 
Revisers  have  been  constantly  reminded  that  they  are 
not  independent  translators,  and  changes  that  would 
otherwise  be  immediately  adopted,  must  often  be  ruled 
out  in  favor  of  the  less  accurate  rendering  that  has  the 


PREFACE.  vii 

ground,  unless  the  latter  were  decidedly  misleading. 
Revisers,  chosen  as  these  were,  would  in  most  in- 
stances be  guided  to  the  best  conclusion  by  their  own 
feelings,  since  they  are  quite  in  sympathy  with  their 
constituents.  How  few  would  consent  to  any  consider- 
able change  in  Psalms  xxiii.,  xc,  or  ciii.,  unless  con- 
vinced that  the  translators  were  seriously  in   error? 

It  would  be  better,  indeed,  if  we  could  rid  ourselves 
of  this  slavery  to  certain  forms  of  speech  merely  because 
they  are  familiar,  so  far,  at  least,  as  it  prevents  us  from 
craving  and  accepting  the  exact  Divine  thought  of 
Psalmist,  Prophet,  or  Apostle.  Those  who  believe  in 
an  inspiration  extending  to  the  words  of  Scripture  can 
not  consistently  decline  a  more  faithful  though  less 
familiar  rendering,  and  should  be  the  last  to  oppose  the 
most  thorough  revision.  The  Revisers  yield  to  none  in 
admiration  of  the  pure,  rich,  and  melodious  Saxon  of 
the  English  Psalter.  But  they  know  well  how  often, 
by  a  delicate  touch  here  and  there,  a  Psalm  may  be 
illuminated,  and  its  beauty,  as  well  as  its  clearness  and 
its  power,  be  immeasurably  enhanced.  The  effect  may 
be  produced  by  bringing  out  an  emphatic  pronoun,  the 
slight  change  of  a  connective  particle,  the  closer  obser- 
vation of  a  misconceived  tense,  and  possibly  the  trans- 
position of  a  word  or  of  a  clause  into  the  Hebrew  order 
for  the  recovery  of  lost  emphasis,  or  some  other  like 
changes.  Either  of  these  changes  separately  may 
seem  not  worth  making,  and  perhaps  would  accomplish 


viii  PREFACE. 

nothing,  but  unitedly  they  will  often  work  wonders, 
with  the  alteration  of  scarcely  one  principal  word. 

Nevertheless,  the  restrictions  we  have  described  do 
exist,  and  they  render  the  work  of  the  Revisers  very 
difBcult.  They  are  often  obliged  to  decide  on  other 
ground  than  that  of  inherent  fitness,  and  often  to  put 
aside  manifest  improvement  in  favor  of  the  more  ancient 
and  familiar  phrasing,  if  the  sense  is  not  materially 
affected.  Those  who  wish  and  hope  to  see  the  thought 
of  the  original  put  forth  in  the  clearest,  strongest,  and 
best  English  expression  will  not  be  gratified.  It  is 
only  by  independent,  individual  effort  that  such  ver- 
sions of  the  Psalms  can  be  produced. 

It  was  this  that  induced  the  writer  to  attempt  the 
translation  of  the  Psalms  into  language  that  should 
render  the  original  more  faithfully,  and  yet  more 
poetically.  Some  of  our  English  Psalms  are  almost 
faultless,  whilst  others  fail  in  bringing  out  the  spirit 
and  rhythm  of  the  old  Hebrew  bards,  or  are  even 
awkward,  prosaic,  and  obscure.  Why  should  not 
individual  scholarship  and  taste  be  laid  under  contri- 
bution to  perform  for  the  poetry  of  David,  and  other 
Hebrew  masters  of  sacred  song,  what  so  many  gifted 
minds  have  done  for  the  poetry  of  Homer?  Many 
such  translations  might  be  made  in  the  interest  of 
Bible  study  with  the  greatest  benefit.  It  is  easy  to 
discriminate  between  their  use  in  public  worship,  and 
the  less  sacred,  yet  not  unsacred  use  which  we  now  sug- 


PREFACE.  ix 

gest.  What  we  have  in  mind  is  revision  rather  than 
translation,  but  revision  less  restricted  than  is  proposed 
in  the  Anglo-American  Revision,  and  that  shall  always 
seek  the  most  exact  expression  of  the  cadences  of 
Hebrew  song  in  pure,  rich,  racy  Saxon  English  of  the 
earliest  times. 

By  such  considerations  as  these  the  author's  mind 
was  relieved  from  the  fear  of  adverse  criticism  which 
at  first  oppressed  him.  As  his  work  progressed,  and 
especially  when  he  communicated  his  thought  to  his 
fellow-Revisers  and  it  was  received  with  the  most 
hearty  approval  and  kindly  interest,  all  hesitancy 
vanished. 

The  book  as  it  is,  with  a  mass  of  material  for  explan- 
atory notes,  which  he  hopes  to  issue  in  a  few  months, 
is  the  result  of  five  or  six  years  of  delightful  yet  ex- 
haustive labor.  The  intensity  with  which  the  work  was 
prosecuted  compelled  entire  cessation  for  considerable 
periods,  under  penalty  of  the  most  serious  consequences, 
but  perhaps  with  advantage  to  the  work. 

The  author  can  not  do  himself  justice  without  present- 
ing in  advance  several  general  peculiarities  of  translation, 
which  he  has  only  adopted  after  much  reflection,  and 
which  are  in  accordance  with  the  most  advanced  gram- 
matical principles. 

The  chief  of  these  is  the  use  of  the  English  present 
tense  to  represent  the  two  principal  Hebrew  tense  forms, 
much   more  frequently  than   in  the  Authorized  Version. 


X  PREFACE. 

No  one  source  of  perplexity  is  so  frequent,  or  so  serious 
to  translator  or  reviser,  as  the  rendering  of  the  Hebrew 
tenses,  especially  in  connection  with  the  Psalms  and 
other  poetical  writings. 

The  earlier  printed  Hebrew  grammars  were  not  lu- 
minous upon  the  subject  of  tense.  They  recognize 
in  the  language  two  tenses,  a  past  and  a  future,  and 
give  no  explanation  of  the  multitude  of  cases  in  which 
the  forms  so  called  cannot  be  regarded  as  presenting 
either  conception  of  time.  Those  who  prepared  these 
grammars,  whether  Jew  or  Gentile,  had  not  themselves 
mastered  the  difference  between  Oriental  and  Western 
modes  of  thought  and  expression.  In  consequence  of 
this,  the  early  English  translators  were  much  in  the 
dark,  generally  following  blindly  the  tense-renderings 
of  the  older  versions. 

Many  of  the  later  Hebrew  grammars  imitate  their 
predecessors.  Their  treatment  of  the  subject  is  a  super- 
ficial adaptation  to  English  thought  and  usage,  leaving 
to  a  more  advanced  stage  intricacies  that  might  con- 
fuse a  beginner. 

This  method  succeeds  measurably  at  first,  but 
has  the  disadvantage  of  fixing  imperfect  conceptions 
permanently  in  many  minds,  and  detracting  greatly  from 
the  intelligence  and  satisfaction  with  which  the  grandest 
portions  of  the  Old  Testament  might  be  read.  When 
those  who  have  learned  that  in  Hebrew  there  are 
two  tenses,  the  past  and  the  future,  reach  Job  and  the 


PREFACE.  xl 

Psalms,  it  is  only  by  striking-  out  boldly  from  their 
earlier  teachings  that  their  perplexity  is  relieved. 

The  right  doctrine  of  Hebrew  tense  is  that  of  Ewald, 
who  is  justly  called  the  prince  of  Hebrew  grammarians. 
It  is  presented  in  his  "  Ausfiihrliches  Lehrbuch"  (8th 
ed.,  Lcip.,  1870).  Its  principles  are  admirably  devel- 
oped and  illustrated  by  S.  R.  Driver,  of  Oxford,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  British  Revision  Company  ("  Treatise  on  the 
Use  of  the  Tenses  in  the  Hebrew,"  Oxford,  1874).  This 
doctrine,  boldly  stated,  is  that  there  are  no  tenses 
in  the  Hebrew.  There  is  nothing  in  any  verb-form 
to  indicate  whether  it  is  past,  present,  or  future. 
The  so-called  tenses  are  rather  moods, — not  as  identi- 
cal with  our  subjunctives,  optatives,  and  potentials, 
although  often  used  for  them,  but  as  exhibiting  as- 
pects in  which  an  action  may  be  viewed  other  than  in 
relations  of  time.  The  one  describes  action  as  cojnpkted, 
the  other  as  coniincncing  ?L\\d  in  progress.  They  have  been 
called  respectively  the  perfect  and  the  imperfect,  which 
are  appropriate,  but  should  not  be  confounded  with  the 
same  terms  in  the  grammar  of  our  own  language. 

If  this  be  so,  the  time  or  date  of  an  action  must  be 
determined  by  the  context.  It  might  be  said  that  what 
occurred  in  the  past  is  more  likely  to  be  viewed  as  com- 
plete, and  the  future  as  in  progress.  But  this  is  true  to 
a  very  limited  extent,  as  every  one  who  has  read  two 
chapters  in  Genesis  and  Isaiah  must  have  observed. 

On  the  one  hand,  history  is  mostly  carried  on  by  the 


Xll  PREFACE. 

so-called  future  forms,  a  semi-poetical  usage,  but  thor- 
oughly established  and  constant  in  prose.  The  historian, 
entering  into  the  spirit  of  his  narrative,  pictures  the 
events  as  springing  up  successively  as  if  under  his  own 
eye.  On  the  other  hand,  the  prophet  transports  himself 
into  the  future,  and  describes  what  shall  inevitably  occur, 
as  if  already  accomplished. 

Having  this  key  to  the  manner  in  which  the  two  forms 
are  used,  we  are  not  surprised  to  see  in  Gen.  i.  that 
after  the  time  of  the  principal  verbs  of  the  first  two 
verses,  which  are  perfects,  has  been  defined  as  past  by 
the  adverbial  n''DN"1.3  (B'reshith),  "  in  the  beginning^''  the 
principal  verbs  to  the  end  of  the  chapter,  nearly  fifty  in 
number,  carrying  on  the  narrative  from  step  to  step,  are 
all  imperfect  (future)  forms,  only  one  perfect  occurring 
throughout.  In  the  opposite  direction,  if  we  open  at 
Is.  ii.  2,  where  the  prophecy  begins,  the  first  verb  is 
perfect,  marked,  however,  as  descriptive  of  the  future 
not  only  by  its  position,  but  by  the  attached  phrase  "  in 
the  last  days''  This  beginning  holds  all  the  succeeding 
forms  to  the  same  time,  so  that  the  prophet  uses  either 
with  the  utmost  flexibility,  but  the  principal  verb  that 
marks  each  successive  step  in  advance,  is  in  the  perfect. 

Singular  as  this  is,  and  apparently  contradictory  to  the 
usual  designation  of  the  two  forms,  the  student  who  has 
been  told  that  they  are  past  and  future,  easily  accommo- 
dates himself  to  it,  upon  being  further  informed  that  the 
position  of   the  verb  at  the   beginning  of  its  clause,  ac- 


PREFACE.  xiii 

companied  by  vav  conseaifivc,  binds  it  to  the  preceding 
verb,  and  has  a  transforming  power,  converting  the  past 
into  future,  and  the  future  into  past.  This  relieves  him, 
and  he  passses  on  comfortably,  thougli  the  teacher  is 
obliged  to  admit  when  he  reads  in  Gen.  ii.  of  the  mist 
ascending  and  of  rivers  flowing  that  his  futures  are  some- 
times past,  even  when  not  so  converted.  A  correspond- 
ing admission  must  be  made  with  reference  to  the  use  of 
an  independent  past  as  a  predictive  future.  Under 
any  view  of  tense  the  connection  by  vav  conscc7itivc,  and 
the  position  of  the  verb,  are  very  important  in  determin- 
ing time,  but  they  do  not  alter  the  paradoxical  fact  that 
the  prevailing  tense  in  history  is  what  our  grammars 
call  future,  and  in  prophecy  the  so-called  past. 

But  it  is  in  the  intermediate  portion,  poetical,  con- 
templative, devotional,  that  we  are  most  frequently 
reminded  that  the  Hebrew  tenses  are  not  tenses. 

Begin  with  the  poetry  of  Job.  In  his  first  wail  (iii.  2), 
"  Let  the  day  perish  in  which  I  was  born,"  there  occur 
two  futures.  After  a  series  of  imprecations  in  jussive 
futures,  which  do  not  bear  on  the  present  discussion,  he 
resumes  in  ver.  11,  "Why  died  I  not  from  the  womb?" 
etc.,  using  three  verbs,  a  "  future,"  a  "  past,"  and  a 
"future."  In  ver.  12  there  are  two  verbs,  a  "past" 
and  a  "  future."  In  neither  case  is  the  tense  "  con- 
verted "  by  vav  consecutive,  yet  the  translators  felt 
obliged  to  render  them  all  as  past,  because  the  actual 
time  is  so  clearly  intimated  in  the  context. 


xiv  PREFACE. 

We  are  now  ready  for  the  Psalms.  They  are  full  of 
instances  similar  to  those  given  from  Job.  The  treat- 
ment of  Psalm  ii.  by  the  early  translators  shows  how 
helpless  they  were  in  the  presence  of  such  tense  com- 
binations. The  tenses  in  ver.  i  are  perfect  followed  by 
an  imperfect  (or,  past  and  future):  in  ver.  2  an  imperfect 
followed  by  a  perfect  (or,  future  and  past).  In  the 
Septuagint  they  are  all  rendered  by  aorists,  sharply  past, 
which  is  followed  by  Wycliffe.  In  the  Vulgate  they  are 
all  rendered  by  futures,  which  is  followed  in  the  Prayer- 
Book  version,  as  taken  from  Cranmer.  In  the  Authorized 
Version  they  come  out  grandly  as  all  presents  : 

I  Why  do  the  heathen  rage, 

And  the  people  imagine  a  vain  thing  ? 

2.  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves. 
And  the  rulers  take  counsel  together, 
Against  the  Lord  and  against  his  anointed. 

This  rendering  is  from  Coverdale  (1536),  and  he,  ac- 
cording to  his  title-page,  "translated  out  of  the  Douche 
(German)  and  the  Latyn."  It  was  Luther  whose  sa- 
gacity, independent  of  the  grammatical  helps  of  his  day, 
as  well  as  of  the  Ancient  Versions,  fixed  upon  the  pres- 
ent as  the  time  in  the  poet's  mind,  which  might  be  ex- 
pressed in  the  Hebrew  by  either  tense  form,  or  alter- 
nately by  both.  In  fact,  this  is  the  only  point  of 
contact  between  the  two  Hebrew  tenses,  the  perfect,  like 
the  Greek  perfect,  of  completed  action,  and  the  imper- 
fect, of  action  in  progress,  and  this  alone  can  account  for 


PREFACE.  XV 

their  frequent  use  together,  and  under  the  same  concep- 
tion of  time. 

In  vv.  3,  4,  the  tenses  are  all  imperfects.  Now  a 
change  of  time  without  change  of  tense,  and  without  ad- 
verbial or  other  notice  of  futurity,  is  improbable.  Yet 
the  Authorized  Version  following  Coverdale  adopts  the 
future  rendering  at  ver.  4,  as  does  Luther  at  ver.  5.  The 
continued  use  of  the  present  in  our  translation  is  not 
only  more  graphic  and  spirited,  but  is  required  by  the 
unity  of  the  description. 

4.  The  Enthroned  in  high  heaven  laughs; 
The  Lord  holdeth  ihem  in  derision. 

5.  Then  he  speaketh  to  them  in  his  anger; 
In  his  wrath  he  putteth  them  in  dismay. 

It  is  God  looking  down  from  the  high  heavens,  while 
the  raging  mites  below  are  conspiring  to  dethrone  Him. 
To  separate  them  in  time,  greatly  mars  the  effect. 

This  irregularity  is  constant.  In  Ps.  xxiii.  the  tenses 
are  all  imperfects.  Here  again  the  translators,  while 
they  treat  the  Psalm  in  the  main  as  a  recognition  of 
present  grace,  in  intelligent  disregard  of  grammars  and 
Ancient  Versions,  are  not  consistent  throughout.  "/ 
shall  not  zvant "  may  be  justified  as  a  closely  dependent 
expression  of  sequence,  equivalent  to  "  /  can  not  zvant  " 
in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer.  But  in  ver.  4,  since 
the  tenses  are  unchanged,  why  should  we  not  have  had 
all  the  verbs  translated  by  the  present  ? 


xvi  PREFACE. 

Yea,  when  I  walk  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
I  fear  no  evil,  for  Thou  art  with  me. 
Thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 

The  particle  15  is  not  a  hypothetical  though,  and  the 
valley  of  death-shade  is  sometimes  found  far  on  the 
hither  side  of  death  itself. 

From  the  above  illustrations  it  is  easy  to  discriminate 
between  the  two  forms  treated  as  presents.  The  perfect 
includes  with  the  act,  its  completed  issue  in  the  present. 
The  imperfect  refers  exclusively  to  the  act  itself,  either 
in  its  inception,  or  in  its  progress  till  another  act  super- 
venes. If  in  rendering  both  as  presents  we  obliterate 
the  distinction,  it  is  from  sheer  necessity.  The  perfect, 
however,  may  be  happily  rendered  by  our  perfect  with 
its  auxiliary  have,  whenever  the  immediate  context  sug- 
gests unambiguously  the  present.  But  in  most  cases  we 
have  no  resource  but  the  present.  The  phrases,  /  have 
trusted,  I  have  loved,  might  convey  only  a  reminiscence 
of  the  past.  On  this  account  Ps.  xxvi.  8  should  read,  "  I 
love  the  habitation  of  thy  house." 

With  regard  to  the  imperfects,  it  is  a  fair  inference 
from  what  we  have  observed  concerning  their  use,  that 
in  writings  like  the  Psalms,  which  are  so  largely  expres- 
sions of  present  devout  emotion,  the  presumption  is  al- 
ways in  favor  of  treating  them  as  presents  unless  accom- 
panied by  clear  indications  of  future  time.  Let  it  stand 
in  alto  relievo,  that  in  the  Hebrew  language  the  imperfect 
is  the  natural  and  predominant,  if  not  the  only  expres- 


PREFACE.  XVll 

sion  of  gracious  affections  in  their  flow  and  succession — 
of  love,  trust,  gratitude,  joy  in  God  and  praise,  viewed  as 
springing  up  responsively  to  the  Divine  touch  upon  the 
heart-strings.  The  participle  is  too  heavy,  too  concrete 
and  fixed  for  this  purpose.  Consequently,  the  participles 
of  verbs  that  represent  such  emotion,  if  used  at  all,  de- 
scribe habit,  character,  or  established  condition.  So  the 
participle  of  niDl!  to  trust,  in  Pss.  xxvii.  3  and  Ixxxvi.  2, 
the  only  instances  of  its  use  by  the  Psalmist  of  his  own 
confidence  in  God.  Strong  feeling  chooses  the  imper- 
fect, or  to  give  it  a  less  fleeting  character  combines  with 
it  in  parallelism  the  perfect.  If  we  must  attach  to  these 
forms  the  prevailing  sense  of  past  and  future,  we  confine 
the  Psalms  almost  exclusively  to  recollection  and  antici- 
pation. Then  present  gracious  utterance  has  no  channel, 
and  we  must  still  read  in  xviii.  i  :  "  I  will  love  thee,  O 
God,  my  strength." 

Not  much  more  need  be  said  of  the  distinctive  fea- 
tures of  the  work  now  given  to  the  public.  The  simple 
method  followed  throughout,  has  been  to  produce, 
first  of  all,  the  most  literal  and  rudest  translation.  Then 
every  effort  has  been  made  to  master  any  doubtful  ques- 
tion of  meaning  or  construction,  and  by  slow  progress 
to  enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  Psalm  under  considera- 
tion, and  at  last  to  render  it  into  simple,  idiomatic,  and 
rhythmical  English.  The  preference  has  always  been 
given  to  the  Authorized  Version,  but  we  have  not  lies- 


xviii  PREFxVCE. 

itated  to  forsake  it  whenever  sense  or  rhythm  seemed 
to  require  a  change. 

Never,  consciously,  has  the  meaning  which  the  Psalmist 
designed  to  convey  been  put  aside  for  poetical  effect, 
nor  any  rendering  introduced  which  cannot  be  main- 
tained by  scholarly  considerations  ;  and  it  is  believed  that 
the  result  is  more  literal  and  faithful  to  the  original  than 
that  of  the  Version  of  the  Psalms  to  which  we  are  ac- 
customed. 

Unwearied  pains  have  been  taken  with  the  more  ob- 
scure and  difificult  passages  that  occur  in  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  Psalms;  and  results  have  been  reached , 
the  reasons  for  whose  adoption  can  only  be  appreciated 
through  the  explanatory  notes  which  we  trust  will  soon 
follow  these  translations.  Instances  may  be  found  in 
several  parts  of  Ps.  xvi.,  in  Pss.  xlvi.  i,  Ivi.  4,  10,  Ixv.  i, 
and  cxvi.  10-12. 

Those  who  compare  our  work  with  the  Hebrew  text 
will  probably  be  surprised  with  the  frequent  omission 
of  the  connective  particles  and  and  also,  the  hard  and 
rough  renderings  of  the  smooth  Hebrew  particle  1  {%v 
ox  00).  This  is  often  unnecessary',  and  sometimes  cum- 
bersome and  inelegant  in  its  frequent  occurrence,  and  we 
have  treated  it  as  a  Hebraism,  employing  it  only 
where  it  would  be  required  in  the  best  English  expres- 
sion. More  than  this,  every  Hebrew  scholar  is  aware 
that  the  copulative  often  connects  two  lines  that  express 
the  same  thoucrht   in  different  words,  in   accordance  with 


PREFACE.  XIX 

the  most  frequent  form  of  Hebrew  poetic  parallelism. 
In  such  cases  the  particle  and  is  decidedly  misleading, 
suggesting  an  additional  thought  or  fact. 

It  will  also  be  observed  that  the  translator,  for  the 
sake  of  stronger  and  more  rhythmical  expression,  has 
not  felt  bound  to  translate  every  Hebrew  word  uni- 
formly. This  especially  occurs  with  some  words  most 
frequently  used.  There  are  instances  in  which  foes, 
enemies,  assailants,  adversaries,  those  that  rise  up  against 
me,  are  precisely  equivalent,  and  there  seems  no  good 
reason  why  the  choice  between  them  should  not  be  de- 
termined by  euphony,  the  shortest  often  being  the  most 
spirited.  So  in  some  instances  age  and  generation  are 
quite  interchangeable,  and  we  have  used  the  former  in  a 
few  cases  where  a  monosyllable  seemed  rhythmically 
preferable. 

A  few  words  with  reference  to  Hebrew  poetry  will 
explain  the  verse-arrangement  adopted  in  the  text.  In  the 
poetry  of  the  Hebrews  there  is  a  freedom  in  the  measure- 
ment of  lines  which  is  quite  foreign  to  our  English  ideas 
of  poetic  expression.  The  translation  of  the  Psalms 
into  blank  verse  or  rhyme  must  always  be  a  wretched 
failure,  if  it  is  intended  to  do  more  than  give  the  general 
thought,  with  the  utmost  license  in  adding  or  subtract- 
ing wherever  it  is  needful  in  order  to  give  the  regular 
number  of  syllables  which  the  measure  requires.  He- 
brew poetry  has  a  free,  swinging  rhythm,  that  disdains 
such  fettered  expression.     Though  the  lines  are  often 


XX  PREFACE. 

more  equally  balanced  than  is  possible  in  any  English 
translation,  they  are  often  very  irregular. 

Nearly  every  verse  is  divided  into  two  parts,  called 
hcviisticJis,  by  a  strong  accent — a  major  disjunctive. 
These  principal  lines  are  also  subdivided  by  minor  dis- 
junctives. Though  sometimes  rhythm  proves  stronger 
than  logic,  the  length  of  these  greater  or  inferior  divis- 
ions is  determined  principally  by  the  logical  structure 
of  the  verse.  Hence  the  accents  were_  called  by  the 
Hebrews  CISJ?^,  meanings. 

In  accordance  with  these  facts,  we  have  subdivided 
the  hemistichs,  wherever,  on  account  of  their  length,  it 
seemed  desirable,  into  two  or  more  subdivisions,  almost 
uniformly  determined  by  the  minor  disjunctives.  It 
will  be  observed  that  wherever  a  verse  is  divided  into 
more  than  two  lines,  the  subordinate  lines  in  either  part 
are  placed  somewhat  forward.  Thus  the  second  hemi- 
stich or  principal  line  of  the  verse  is  indicated  by  its 
beginning  further  to  the  left  than  any  line  except  the  first. 

Without  further  remark,  these  Praise-Songs,  as  their 
name  stands  at  the  head  of  every  page  in  the  Hebrew 
Psalter,  are  given  forth.  Most  grateful  shall  we  be  if, 
through  the  Divine  assistance  that  has  been  incessantly 
implored,  any  of  them  have  been  made  more  intelligible 
and  precious  to  those  who  love  the  Psalms. 

New  Brunswick,  May  15,  1884. 


PREFACE   TO   THE    SECOND    EDITION. 

A  SIMPLE  reprint  of  the  former  edition  would  have  re- 
quired no  further  prefatory  remark.  But  it  seems  proper 
that  something  should  be  said  in  connection  with  a  revision 
that  contains  many  changes. 

The  kindly  and  generous  comments  upon  the  work  in 
its  first  form,  by  judges  whose  favorable  opinion  is  invalu- 
able, produced  no  blindness  to  its  imperfections.  On  the 
contrary,  they  occasioned  a  more  severe  scrutiny,  in  which 
every  word  has  been  challenged  anew,  and  the  structure  of 
every  sentence  and  phrase  carefully  pondered. 

Those  who  know  how  difificult  it  is  to  translate  ancient 
Hebrew  poetry  into  a  language  so  different  in  its  idioms 
as  the  English,  and  at  the  same  time  to  preserve  something 
of  the  poetic  aspect,  cadence,  and  flow  of  the  original,  will 
not  wonder  that  this  jealous  re-examination  suggested  im- 
provement. They  will  understand  that  one  who  came 
back  to  such  work  after  an  interval  of  several  months, 
knowing  well  every  difificult  or  doubtful  point,  remember- 
ing what  renderings  had  been  least  satisfactory  to  himself, 
found  many  places  where,  by  the  change  of  a  word,  line, 
or  couplet,  a  blemish  might  be  removed,  or  some  desirable 
effect  produced,  bringing  out  more  distinctly  the  beauty, 
force,  and  impressiveness  of  the  old  inspiration,  that  had 


XXU  PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND   EDITION. 

been,  at  the  best,  so  inadequatel};  rendered.  It  was  thought 
possible,  by  additional  labor,  to  approach  one  degree  nearer 
success  in  the  attempt  to  weave  into  a  fabric  uniform  in 
texture,  color,  and  all  that  produces  impression  upon  the 
mind  and  heart,  the  various  materials  that  compose  these 
translated  Psalms — Hebrew  thought  and  English  expres- 
sion— renderings  from  the  Authorized  Version  which  can 
never  be  excelled,  and  fresher  results  that  have  been 
reached  by  masters  in  philological  and  exegetical  science, 
together  with  some  personal  ventures  where  the  sense  is 
admitted  to  be  doubtful. 

It  has  not  been  thought  necessary  to  introduce  any  rad- 
ical change  in  principle  or  method.  A  servile  imitation  of 
the  structure  and  rhythm  which  some  are  now  claiming 
for  Hebrew  verse — so  many  lines  to  the  strophe,  and  so 
many  syllables  to  the  line — as  in  Bickell's  recent  trans- 
lations of  Hebrew  poetry  into  the  German,  might  enrapt- 
ure a  metrical  specialist,  but  would  be  a  mistake  similar  in 
kind  to  the  literal  transfer  into  English  of  Hebrew  idio- 
matic phrases  where  they  differ  widely  from  our  own.  He- 
brew song  finds  its  most  poetic  rendering  in  the  antique 
English  from  which  we  have  received  the  melody  of  our 
Authorized  Version.  If  not  Hebraistic  in  the  stricter  sense, 
its  unfettered  cadences  fall  pleasantly  upon  the  ear,  produc- 
ing impressions  on  the  emotional  nature  similar  to  those 
of  the  devout  Hebrew  when  chanting  the  songs  of  Zion  in 
his  native  tongue. 

The  division  into  irregular  stanzas,  affording  convenient 
resting-places,  and  usually  determined  by  the  sense  and 


PREFACE   TO   THE    SECOND   EDITION.  xxiii 

connection,  has  not  been  materially  changed.  A  rigid 
strophical  system  is  earnestly  advocated  by  some  who  have 
recently  stepped  forward  as  leaders  in  Semitic  scholarship. 
But  in  the  judgment  of  the  sober-minded  they  have  pressed 
their  favorite  thought  intcmperately.  One  upon  our  own 
side  of  the  water  violently  tears  asunder  the  beautiful  eighth 
Psalm,  where  the  connection  is  closest,  by  a  strophical  divi- 
sion at  the  end  of  the  4th  verse.  Then,  in  order  to  begin 
the  new  strophe  properly,  he  must  needs  translate  ver.  5, 

"  When  thou  didst  make  him  a  little  lower  than  the  angels, 
With  glory  and  honor  crowning  him, 
Thou  niad'st  him  to  have  dominion  over  the  work  of  Thy  hands." 

This  depresses  the  most  prominent  and  emphatic  thought 
of  the  wholfi  Psalm,  in  its  reference  to  God's  favor  to  man, 
to  a  subordinate  position,  making  it  little  more  than  a  no- 
tation of  time.  A  theory  that  drives  a  sagacious  trans- 
lator to  such  a  distortion  is,  at  least,  suspicious. 

But  Bickell's  treatment  of  the  same  psalm  in  his  translit- 
erations of  Hebrew  poetry  ("  Carmina  Veteris  Testamenti 
Metrice,"  Innspruck,  1882)  is  simply  monstrous.  Yet  it 
is  even  a  too  favorable  specimen  of  his  general  method. 
Dividing  this  eighth  Psalm  into  four  strophes  of  four  lines 
each,  he  decides  upon  its  scJicma  as  12.  10.  8.  6,  the  figures 
representing  the  number  of  syllables  in  the  several  lines  of 
the  strophe.  To  this  schema  the  Hebrew  text  must  con- 
form, whatever  may  have  to  be  cast  away  or  supplied. 
Consequently  in  the  second  line  of  the  first  strophe  a 
monosyllable  in  the  Massoretic  text  is  exchanged  for  a  tri- 
syllable.   In  the  third  line  "  and  sucklings"  is  omitted,  with 


XXIV  PREFACE   TO    THE    SECOND    EDITION. 

the  foot-note,  "  The  addition  destroys  the  sense  by  exag- 
geration, for  suckHngs  cannot  yet  understand  the  glory  of 
God  as  exhibited  in  his  works."  In  the  following  line  the 
words  translated  in  the  English  Bible  "  because  of  Thine 
adversaries,"  are  thrown  out.  The  foot-note  must  in  some 
way  dispatch  them,  for  they  contain  too  many  syllables  for 
the  scJiema.  It  is  done  in  four  words  :  Dciis  non  liabct  oppres- 
sorcs,  "  God  has  no  oppressors."  In  the  9th  verse  the 
specification  "  fish  of  the  sea"  is  rejected,  as  a  "prosaic 
and  tautological  gloss." 

Thus  all  the  requirements  of  the  strophical  sc/iana  are 
fulfilled,  and  by  this  simple  Procrustean  process  the  He- 
brew text  is  miraculously  restored  to  its  original  purity. 
Further  comment  on  such  a  system  is  unnecessary.  The 
thought  of  adopting  it  could  not  be  entertained,  even  for 
a  moment. 

It  will  be  found,  therefore,  that  in  their  general  arrange- 
ment the  pages  stand  nearly  as  before.  The  aim  and  spirit 
of  this  revisal  have  been  in  accordance  with  the  ruling 
principle  adopted  at  the  beginning.  There  has  been  a 
continual  effort  to  apprehend  more  clearly  the  Divine 
thought  in  the  original,  and  to  interpret  it  more  ade- 
quately in  idiomatic  English  of  the  older  type. 

It  was  intended  at  a  much  earlier  day  to  fulfil  the 
promise  of  explanatory  notes,  as  especially  desirable  in 
justification  of  some  of  the  bolder  renderings  of  the  former 
edition.  But  upon  a  calm  review  of  the  work,  there 
seemed  so  much  to  be  done  of  greater  importance  than 
justification,  that  further  indulgence  must  be  asked.      It 


PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND   EDITION.  XXV 

seems  better  to  run  some  risk  of  exceptions  being  taken, 
which  may  be  afterward  reconsidered,  than  to  perform 
work  with  undue  haste  whose  value  depends  upon  faith- 
fulness and  care.  It  is  hoped  that  the  fresh  results  em- 
bodied in  this  edition,  if  their  grounds  are  not  manifest, 
will  be  judged  leniently  till  the  attempt  can  be  made  to 
sustain  them.  Such  changes  may  be  specified,  a  few  out 
of  many,  as  those  which  appear  in  Ps.  viii.  2  ;  xvi.  3  ; 
xvii.  15  ;  xxiv.  6;  xli.  3  ;  xlv.  8  ;  xlvi.  4;  xlix.  8;  Ivi.  4, 
10;  Ixviii.  18;  Ixxvi.  10;  Ixxxiv.  3;  xc.  2  ;  ciii.  17 

An  important  grammatical  question  had  to  be  met  in 
preparing  the  revision  now  presented.  A  fellow-laborer  in 
Biblical  study,  eminent  in  reputation,  w^hile  commenting 
most  favorably  and  kindly  upon  the  tense-renderings  and 
other  features  of  the  previous  edition,  expressed  surprise 
that  it  failed  to  exhibit  a  satisfactory  acquaintance  with 
the  latest  Hebrew  scholarship  in  respect  to  moods — that, 
at  least,  the  translator  seemed  sJiy  of  the  mood-renderings 
suggested  by  Ewald  and  others  of  the  same  school.  The 
generous  critic  is  a  professed  enthusiast  in  Hebrew  moods, 
regarding  their  proper  treatment  of  more  importance  than 
correctness  in  tense. 

It  may  be  said  that  while  the  preceding  preface  heartily 
endorsed  Ewald's  claim  that  the  forms  of  the  verb  called 
perfect  and  imperfect  are  constantly  used  to  represent  the 
present  under  different  conceptions — a  difference  which  can- 
not always  be  expressed  in  English — it  was  by  no  means 
intended  to  include  in  that  endorsement  all  the  intricacies, 
with   respect  to  the  treatment  of  these  forms,  that  have 


xxvi  PREFACE   TO   THE    SECOND   EDITION. 

been  propounded  by  Ewald  and  his  followers.  It  is  possible 
by  acute  and  ingenious  analysis  to  develop  a  grammatical 
system  in  which  the  simplicity  that  is  characteristic  of  the 
Hebrew  and  other  languages  of  the  same  family  is  quite  lost 
sight  of,  and  the  most  charming  features  in  such  composi- 
tions as  the  Psalms  are  sacrificed.  An  accomplished  gram- 
marian is  not  necessarily  a  poet,  and  one  supremely  skilful 
in  dealing  with  difficult  exegetical  questions  may  be  too 
cold-blooded  and  unimaginative  for  any  other  than  the 
most  prosaic  renderings. 

The  special  point  before  the  mind  of  the  friend  referred 
to,  is  the  use  of  the  grammatical  imperfect  in  its  lengthened 
or  shortened  forms,  called  respectively  the  coJwrtative  and 
jussive,  attached  to  a  preceding  verb  by  the  connective 
and  (weak  var!),  to  express  design  or  result,  with  vioy,  viight, 
ivonld,  should,  etc.,  as  its  appropriate  translation.  So  far, 
however,  is  this  from  being  a  modern  doctrine,  that  we 
find  it  in  Gesenius's  "  Thesaurus  Linguae  Hebraicae  "  (Lips., 
1835),  and  from  that  translated,  with  the  several  instances 
cited  in  confirmation,  in  the  successive  editions  of  Robin- 
son's Gesenius  (art.  1,  §  5).  Ewald  and  later  grammarians 
have  pressed  the  application  of  this  rule  further  than 
Gesenius,  and  have  introduced  modifications  and  distribu- 
tions that  are  interesting  and  instructive  ;  but  it  is  a  ques- 
tion how  far  they  represent  the  genius  and  spirit  of  the 
Hebrew  language,  especially  in  its  poetical  aspects. 

Both  the  jussive  and  cohortative  forms  of  the  imperfect 
abound  in  the  Psalms  and  other  poetical  portions  of  the 
Old  Testament  in  those  relations  in  which,  according  to 


PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND    EDITION.  XXVU 

Gesenius's  rule,  design  or  result  would  be  exhibited.  But  is 
this  their  true  significance?  The  Hebrew  language  can, 
and  often  does,  express  purpose  unequivocally.  It  may  be 
effected  by  the  imperfect  in  its  unmodified  form,  preceded 
by  a  conjunction  that  compels  such  a  rendering.  For  ex- 
ample, ]ill!{,  in  order  tltat,  expresses  it.  See  Ps.  ix.  14; 
XXX.  12  ;  xlviii.  12  ;  li.  6;  Ixxxviii.  6,  etc.  So  the  infinitive 
often  expresses  purpose.  In  Psalm  viii.  2,  "  to  silence  the 
hating  and  revengeful  "  is  equivalent  to  "  that  thou  may- 
est,"  etc.  Or,  if  the  imperfect  be  preceded  by  '■?,  tliat,  as  in 
Ps.  viii.  4,  where  we  may  translate,  "  that  thou  shouldest  re- 
member," though,  since  there  is  reference  to  a  present,  ac- 
tual fact,  we  might  properly  translate,  "  that  thou  remem- 
berest."  We  have  the  same  option  in  Jobx.  3  (twice) — "  Is 
it  good  for  Thee  that  thou  shouldest  oppress,  that  thou 
shouldest  despise  the  work  of  Thy  hands  ?"  Here,  too,  we 
might  render  the  two  verbs,  "dost  oppress,"  "dost  despise." 
Yet  we  should  prefer,  "  Is  it  good  for  Thee  to  oppress,  to 
despise  the  work  of  Thine  hands,"  as  imitating  the  brevity 
of  the  Hebrew,  and  the  sharpness  of  expression  the  com- 
plaint calls  for. 

But  while  unequivocal  expressions  of  design,  result,  etc., 
occur,  it  must  be  conceded  that  the  Hebrew  is  some- 
what "  shy"  of  them.  Even  where  the  underlying  relation 
of  cause  and  effect,  or  of  design  and  fulfilment,  is  undoubt- 
edly present,  it  prefers  simply  to  call  attention  to  facts  in 
their  succession,  and  in  doing  this  often  employs  the  ener- 
getic and  vivid  jussive  and  cohortative  forms,  by  the  former 
summoning    successive  events   into   existence,  or  by  the 


XXviii  PREFACE   TO    THE    SECOND    EDITION. 

latter  proposing  to  perform  given  acts,  one  following  an- 
other, without  regard  to  the  relation  between  them  that 
may  or  may  not  exist. 

Poetry,  when  dealing  with  acts  or  events,  is  often  phe- 
nomenal, addressing  directly  only  the  eye,  and  not  the 
inner  sense,  but  for  that  reason  all  the  more  graphic, 
vivid,  and  impressive.  We  choose  our  illustrations  from 
the  first  chapter  of  Genesis,  and  from  the  seventy-second 
Psalm.  In  the  former,  the  idyl  of  creation,  the  grandest 
poetry  that  was  ever  written  in  conception  and  spirit,  if 
not  in  form,  we  have  in  ver.  6  the  jussive,  "  Let  there  be 
a  firmament,"  followed  by  another  jussive,  "  and  let  it  di- 
vide." No  one  can  deny  that  the  relation  between  the 
two  creative  acts  is  such  that  the  second  might  be  ex- 
pressed by  the  translation,  "  that  it  may  divide."  But, 
comparatively,  how  tame  !  This  would  be  turning  poetry 
into  prose.  Another  instance  occurs  in  ver.  9  ;  and  in 
vv.  14,  15,  there  are  still  others,  besides  an  intervening 
instance  of  the  infinitive  used  to  denote  purpose  or 
effect ;  "  Let  there  be  lights  ...  to  divide  .  .  .  and  let 
them  be  .  .  .  and  let  them  be.  .  .  ."  No  competent 
reviser  would  translate  the  second  and  third  of  these  jus- 
sive forms  of  the  verb  by  the  formula  "  that  they  may  be," 
though  such  rendering  would  have  a  basis  in  prosaic  fact, 
and  the  rule  of  the  grammarian  will  cover  them. 

Similarly,  in  ver.  26,  we  have  the  cohortative  "  Let  us 
make  man,"  followed  by  the  jussive, "  and  let  him  have 
dominion,"  although  both  design  and  result  are  included 
in  the  relation  between  this  dominion  and  the  preceding 


PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND   EDITION.  XXIX 

Divine  proposal.  No  one  would  be  willing  to  lose  the 
vividness  and  force  of  this  literal  rendering  by  subordinat- 
ing the  second  verb,  as  the  rule  proposes. 

In  Ps.  Ixxii.  w^e  find  a  series  of  grammatical  imperfects, 
every  one  of  which  is  apocopated  that  can  be,  with  a  single 
possible  exception.  We  cannot  regard  them  as  mere 
rhythmical  abbreviations  standing  for  the  fuller  form  of 
the  imperfect ;  but  they  are  all  jussivcs — strong  invoca- 
tions of  blessing  upon  the  future  king,  even  in  the  several 
instances  in  which  they  are  connected  by  the  weak  vav, 
with  its  temptation  to  enfeeble  and  dwarf  them  into  the 
potentials  or  subjunctives.  It  w^ould  seem  scarcely  pos- 
sible that  any  one  should  be  content  to  translate  the  8th 
verse, '' that  he  may  rule  from  sea  to  sea,"  or  the  iith, 
"that  all  kings  may  bow  down  to  him,"  or  the  15th, 
"  that  he  may  live,  and  that  he  may  give  him  of  the 
gold  of  Sheba,"  descending  below  a  surface  that  flashes 
w^ith  spirit  and  beauty,  to  describe  relations  that  belong 
to  the  philosopher  rather  than  to  the  poet.  Yet  Ewald 
introduces  this  feebler  rendering  in  vv.  3d  and  5th  ;  and 
in  the  15th  he  translates  ''  that  reviving  he  may  give  him 
of  the  gold  of  Sheba,"  etc. 

It  is  not  denied,  however,  that  the  connection  of  thought 
may  be  such  that  the  happiest  rendering  of  the  imperfect, 
in  any  of  its  forms,  may  be  by  the  potential  or  subjunctive. 
But  this  cannot  be  determined  by  a  cast-iron  rule.  It  must 
be  left  to  the  tact  and  discrimination  of  the  translator,  who 
may  well  be  somewhat  shy  of  a  rendering  which  does  not  in 
general  represent  adequately  the  spirited  expression  of  the 


XXX  PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND   EDITION. 

Hebrew  poet.  Many  instances  might  be  given  from  the 
Psalms  in  which  the  imperfect,  with  the  weak  vav,  may 
represent  the  present,  the  future,  or  the  jussive,  but  can- 
not possibly  be  translated  subjunctively  or  potentially. 
Even  when  such  rendering  is  not  impossible,  and  yields  an 
intelligible  sense,  the  more  poetical  expression,  if  not  un- 
intelligible, is  greatly  to  be  preferred. 

It  may  be  expected  that  the  translator  will  say  some- 
thing with  regard  to  his  usually  close  adherence  to  the  Mas- 
soretic  text.  It  is  scarcely  possible  that  documents  so 
ancient  and  so  frequently  transcribed  as  the  Hebrew  Script- 
ures, have  come  down  to  us  in  absolute  perfection,  and 
that  none  of  the  obscurities  that  perplex  us  have  resulted 
from  corruption  of  the  text.  But  the  means  of  restoration 
in  such  cases  are  very  unreliable.  As  for  the  ancient 
versions,  not  only  is  their  text  wofully  corrupt,  but  the 
later  depend  upon  the  earlier,  and  the  most  ancient  of  all, 
the  LXX.,  while  it  may  sometimes  exhibit  the  true  text, 
often  betrays  great  ignorance  of  the  Hebrew,  and  abounds 
in  marvellous  mistranslations.  When  it  presents  more  in- 
telligible readings,  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  these  arc 
merely  conjectural.  Time  is  destructive,  and  its  ravages 
are  often  irreparable.  But,  in  general,  we  prefer  the  muti- 
lations of  time  to  the  mutilations  of  conjectural  emenda- 
tion, whether  ancient  or  modern. 

In  many  instances,  doubtless,  the  obscurity  that  baffles 
us  has  its  origin,  not  in  corruptions  of  the  text,  but  in  our 
failure  to  probe  thoroughly  the  possibilities  of  Hebrew 
expression.     Words  and  constructions  that  now  seem  ob- 


PREFACE   TO   THE   SECOND    EDITION.  xxxi 

scure,  and  for  which  some  arc  impelled  to  substitute  aster- 
isks,  not  presuming  to  insert  other  words,  may  yet  come 
to  be  more  thoroughly  understood. 

Thankful  acknowledgments  are  due  to  Prof.  Charles 
Short,  LL.D.,  of  Columbia  College,  for  his  aid  in  the  final 
corrections.  His  deep  interest  in  the  book,  perhaps  orig- 
inating in  the  discernment  of  a  passion  for  sound  English 
akin  to  his  own,  was  one  of  the  pleasant  surprises  that 
immediately  followed  its  publication.  By  careful  reading 
and  collation  of  the  masters  of  the  language  in  its  earlier 
classical  period,  he  has  acquired  great  familiarity  with  its 
purest  and  best-established  usages.  It  may  be  imagined 
that  the  social  hours  spent  together  in  reading  the  proofs, 
after  ever}'thing  possible  had  been  done  by  individual  la- 
bor, were  of  great  service  in  deciding  doubtful  questions 
of  propriety,  such  as  are  apt  to  embarrass  the  solitary 
worker,  and  in  excluding  expressions  unconsciously  tinged 
by  modernism,  which  are  liable  to  creep  in  when  an  at- 
tempt is  made  to  reproduce  or  remodel  English  of  the 
period  to  which  the  Authorized  Version  belongs. 

Dr.  Short's  skill  and  tact  were  also  very  helpful  in  the 
effort  to  adapt  the  punctuation  more  accurately  to  logical 
relations  than  the  simple  and  rude  punctuation  of  the  Au- 
thorized Version. 

With  these  introductory  sentences,  the  work,  in  its  new 
form,  is  given  forth,  in  the  hope  that  it  will  be  found  more 
worthy  of  acceptance  than  if  the  additional  labor  had  not 
been  performed. 

New  Brunswick,  July  6, 1885. 


BOOK    L 


FIRST 


THE   BLESSEDNESS  OF  THE   MAN  that 
walketh    not    in    the    counsel    of 
the  wicked, 
Nor  in  the  way  of  sinners  standeth, 
Nor  in  the  seat  of  scoflfers  sitteth! 
2  But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  Jehovah, 
And  on  His  law  doth  he  meditate  in  the 
daytime  and  in  the  night ; 
3     And  he  becometh  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  water- 
courses, 
That  yicldeth  its  fruit  in  its  season, 

And  whose  leaf  withereth  not ; 
He  maketh  all  that  he  doeth  to  prosper. 


J.     Not  so  are  the  wicked. 

But  like  the  chaff,  which  the  wind  scattereth. 

5  Therefore  the  wicked  cannot  stand  in  the  judgment. 

Nor  sinners  in  the  assembly  of  the  righteous; 

6  For  Jehovah  knoweth  the  way  of  the  righteous, 

But  the  way  of  the  wicked  shall  vanish. 


SECOND 

HEREFORE  are  the  heathen  in  tumult, 

And  the  nations  muttering  vainly? 
2  Kings  of  the  earth  take  their  stand  , 
Princes  are  in  council  together 

Against  Jehovah  and  His  Anointed  ; 

3  And  they  say,  "  Let  us  break  asunder  their  fetters ! 

Let  us  cast  away  from  us  their  bonds!" 

4  Enthroned  in  heaven  He  maketh  light  of  them ; 

The  Lord  holdeth  them  in  derision. 

5  Then  He  speaketh  to  them  in  his  anger, 

And  in  His  wrath  He  putteth  them  in  dismay: 

6  "  But  as  for  Me,  I  have  ordained  My  king 

Upon  Zion,  My  holy  mountain !" 

7  I  will  proclaim  the  decree : 

Jehovah  said  to  me,  "  Thou  art  My  Son  ; 

It  is  I  who  this  day  have  begotten  Thee : 

8  Ask  Me,  and  I  will  give  Thee  the  nations   for  an 

inheritance  ; 
For  Thy  possession,  the  ends  of  the  earth ; 

9  Thou  shalt  break  them  with  an  iron  sceptre ; 

As  a  potter's  vessel  shalt  Thou  shatter  them  !" 

10  And  now,  O  ye  kings!  be  wise  ; 

Be  warned,  ye  rulers  of  the  earth ! 

11  Serve  Jehovah  in  fear, 

And  rejoice  with  trembling  ; 

12  Kiss  the  Son,  lest  He  be  angry  and  ye  perish  in  the 

way ; 
For  His  wrath  very  soon  will  enkindle : 
O  the  blessedness  of  all  that  take  refug-e  in  Him  ! 


THIRD 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID,  WHEN  HE  PLED  FROM  THE  FACE  OF  ABSALOM  HIS  SON.] 

Jehovah  !  how  many  are  my  foes! 

How  many  are  they  that  rise  up  against  me  ! 
2   How  many  that  say  of  my  soul, 
"  There  is  no  help  for  him  in  God  !"     [Selah.] 

3  But  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  art  a  shield  about  me, 

Thou  art  my  glory  and  exaltest  my  head: 

4  When  I  lift  my  voice  and  call  upon  Jehovah, 

He  answereth  from  His  holy  mountain.     [Sclah.] 

5  I  lay  me  down  and  fall  asleep ; , 

Yet  I  awake,  for  Jehovah  sustaineth  me : 

6  I  fear  not  the  myriads  of  people 

That  assail  me  on  every  side. 

7  Arise,  O  Jehovah!     Help  me,  O  my  God! 

For  Thou  smitest  all  my  foes  on  the  cheek; 
Thou  shatterest  the  teeth  of  the  wicked : 

8  Jehovah  hath  the  victory! 

Upon  Thy  people  be  Thy  blessing !     [Selah.] 


FOURTH 


[for  the  chief  musician.      upon   stringed  instruments.      a  PSALM  OF 

DAVID.] 

HEN  I  call,  answer  me,  O  my  righteous  God, 
That  gavest  me  relief  in  my  distress; 
Oh  pity  me,  and  hear  my  prayer ! 

2     Sons  of  men,  how  long  ye  turn  my  glory  into  shame, 
Loving  falsehood,  seeking  after  lies  !     [Selah.] 


3  But  know  ye  that  Jehovah  keepeth  apart  His  beloved 

for  Himself; 
When  I  call  to  Him,  Jehovah  heareth  ! 

4  Oh  tremble,  and  cease  ye  from  sin ! 

Commune  with  your  heart  upon  your  bed,  and  be 
still !  [Selah.] 

5  Offer  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness, 

And  put  your  trust  in  Jehovah. 

6  There  are  many  that  say, 

"  Oh  that  we  might  see  prosperity !" 
But  lift  upon  us,  O  Jehovah,  the  light  of  Thy  pres- 
ence ! 

7  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart. 

More  than  is  theirs  when  their  corn  and  new  wine 
are  increased. 

8  In  peace  will   I   lay  me  down,  and  forthwith  shall 

sleep ; 
For  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  even  when  I  am  alone, 
Makest  me  to  dwell  securely. 


FIFTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.      with  the  flute.      a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

10  my  words,  give  ear,  O  Jehovah  ! 
Heed  Thou  my  moaning; 

2     Hearken  to  my  voice  when  I  cry  for  help, 
O  my  King  and  my  God ! 
For  unto  Thee  do  I  pray. 
O  Jehovah  !  in  the  morning  Thou  hearest  my  voice ; 
In  the  morning  I  prepare  for  Thee,  and  look  forth ; 

6 


J 


4  For  Thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  pleasure  in  sin, 

Neither  shall  evil  be  a  guest  with  Thee : 

5  The  arrogant  cannot  stand  before  Thine  eyes ; 

Thou  hatest  all  that  do  wickedly : 

6  Thou  destroyest  those  that  speak  lies ; 

Bloodshed  and  fraud  Jehovah  abhorreth. 


7  But  as  for  me,  through  Thy  great  lovingkindness  I 

come  into  Thy  house  ; 
I  worship  at  Thy  holy  temple  in  Thy  fear. 

8  O  Jehovah,  guide  me  in  Thy  righteousness  because 

of  my  foes ; 
Let  me  see  Thy  way  as  a  plain  before  me ; 

9  For  their  mouth  hath  no  steadfastness ; 

Within  them  there  is  a  yawning  gulf; 
Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre, 

And  smooth  speech  glideth  from  their  tongue. 

10  Give  sentence  against  them,  O  God! 

Let  them  fall  by  their  own  counsels; 
In  the  multitude  of  their  sins  thrust  them  forth, 
For  they  have  rebelled  against  Thee. 

11  But  let  those  be  glad  that  take  refuge  in  Thee; 

For  ever  let  them  sing  for  joy; 
And  do  Thou  shelter  them, 

And  let  those  that  love  Thy  Name  exult  in  Thee  ; 

12  For  Thou  dost  bless  the  righteous,  O  Jehovah ! 

With  favour  dost  Thou  encompass  them  as  with 
a  shield. 


SIXTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,     upon   stringed  instruments,     on  the 
octave.     a  psalm  of  david.] 

Jehovah !  in  Thine  anger  rebuke  me  not, 
Nor  in  Thy  wrath  chastise  me. 
2     Pity  me,  O  Jehovah,  for  I  am  withering; 
Heal  me,  O  Jehovah!  for  my  bones  are  trembling; 

3  Even  my  soul  trembleth  greatly ; 

But  Thou — O  Jehovah,  how  long? 

4  Return,  O  Jehovah!  rescue  my  soul; 

Save  me  for  Thy  lovingkindness'  sake. 

5  For  in  death  there  is  no  remembrance  of  Thee; 

In  the  underworld,  who  shall  give  Thee  praise? 

6  I  am  weary  with  my  sighing  ; 

I  drench  every  night  my  bed  ; 
With  my  tears  my  couch  I  dissolve: 

7  Shrivelled  with  grief  is  mine  eye  ; 

It  hath  grown  old  through  all  that  oppress  me. 

8  Depart  from  me,  all  ye-  that  do  evil ; 

For  Jehovah  heareth  the  sound  of  my  weeping; 

9  Jehovah  heareth  my  supplication  ; 

Jehovah  accepteth  my  prayer. 
lO    All  my  foes  are  in  shame,  and  in  sore  dismay ;. 
They  turn  back  in  their  shame  suddenly! 

SEVENTH 

[SHIGGAION    OF    DAVID   WHICH   HE   SANG   TO   JEHOVAH  CONCERNING  THE 
W^ORDS  OF  CUSH  THE  BENJ AMITE.] 

EHOVAH,  my  God!  in  Thee  I  take  refuge; 
Save  me  from  all  my  pursuers,  yea,  snatch  me 
away ; 

8 


2  Lest  they  tear  my  soul  like  a  Hon, 

Rending  it  asunder  when  there  is  none  to  rescue. 

3  O  Jehovah,  my  God!  if  I  have  done  this — 

If  iniquity  cling  to  my  hands; 

4  If  I  have  rewarded  my  friend  with  evil, 

I,  that  set  him  free  who  hated  me  without  cause— 

5  Let  an  enemy  chase  and  overtake  my  soul ; 
Let  him  trample  on  the  earth  my  life, 

And  lay  my  glory  in  the  dust !     [Selah.] 

6  Arise,  O  Jehovah!  in  Thine  anger; 

Lift  Thee  up  against  the  wrath  of  my  foes! 
Yea,  arouse  in  my  behalf, 

Thou  that  hast  justice  at  Thy  command! 

7  Let  an  assembly  of  nations  surround  Thee, 

And  to  Thy  seat  high  above  them  return! 

8  Jehovah  ruleth  over  the  nations; 

Judge  me,  O  Jehovah!  according  to  my  righteousnesc 
and  mine  integrity  within  me  : 

9  Oh  bring  to  an  end  the  ill-doing  of  the  wicked, 

But  establish  the  righteous  ; 
For  Thou  that  triest  the  depths  of  the  heart  art  a 
righteous  God. 

10  It  is  God  that  beareth  the  shield  that  covereth  me, 

He  that  saveth  the  upright  in  heart. 

11  God  is  a  righteous  Judge, 

And  a  wrathful  Power  every  day. 

12  If  one  repent  not,  He  whetteth  His  sword  ; 

His  bow  He  hath  bent  and  aimeth ; 

9 


13  For  him  He  prepareth  the  weapons  of  death; 

He  maketh  His  arrows  flaming, 

14  Lo!  he  that  travaileth  with  iniquity, 

That  conceiveth  mischief,  and  bringeth  forth  false- 
hood — 

15  He  digged  a  pit,  delving  it  deep, 

And  hath  fallen  into  the  abyss  he  had  made! 

16  His  mischief  returneth  upon  his  own  head; 

On  his  own  brow  doth  his  violence  descend  ! 

17  I  will  sound  the  praise  of  Jehovah  according  to  His 

righteousness ; 
I  will  make  melody  to  the  Name  of  Jehovah  Most 
High. 


EIGHTH 

[for  the   chief   musician.      upon   the   GITTITH.      a   psalm   of  DAVID.] 

EHOVAH  our  Lord, 


How  exalted  is  Thy  Name  in  all  the  earth ! 
Oh  inscribe  it  as  Thy  glory  upon  the  heavens ! 

2  Of  the  praises  of  babes  and  sucklings  Thou  buildest 

a  stronghold  for  response  to  Thy  foes, 
To  silence  the  hating  and  revengeful. 

3  When  I  see  Thy  heavens,  the  work  of  Thy  fingers, 
The  moon   and   the   stars,  which  Thou   hast  set  in 

their  place, 

4  What  is  a  mortal,  that  Thou  bearest  him  in  mind, 
Or  a. son  of  Adam,  that  for  him  Thou  shouldst  care? 

5  Thou  mad'st  him  but  a  little  lower  than  God, 
^^nd  with  glory  and  honour  hast  crowned  him  ! 

10 


6  Thou  gavest  him  rule  over  the  works  of  Thy  hands  ; 

Thou  hast  placed  them  all  under  his  feet  : 

7  Sheep  and  oxen,  under  him  arc  they  all ; 

And  alike,  the  beasts  of  the  field, 

8  The  birds  of  the  air,  and  the  fish  of  the  sea- 

Even  that  which  frcquenteth  the  paths  of  the  seas  ! 

9  O  Jehovah,  our  Lord, 

How  exalted  is  Thy  Name  in  all  the  earth  ! 


NINTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,    set  to  "  MUTH  LABBEN."   A  PSALM  OF  DAVID.] 

will  praise  Jehovah  with  my  whole  heart ; 

I  will  tell  of  all  Thy  wondrous  works ; 
2     I  will  be  glad  and  exult  in  Thee ; 
I  will  make  melody  to  Thy  Name,  O  Thou  Most 
High ! 

3  When  mine  enemies  turn  back, 

They  stumble  and  perish  at  Thy  presence  : 

4  For  Thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and  my  cause ; 

Thou  sittest  on  the  throne,  a  righteous  Judge. 

5  Thou  hast  rebuked  nations,  destroyed  the  wicked. 

And  abolished  their  names  for  ever  and  alway. 

6  The  enemies  are  consumed  in  perpetual  desolation  ; 

And  their  cities  Thou  hast  overthrown  ; 

The  memory  even  of  these  hath  perished. 

7  But  Jehovah  for  ever  sitteth  King, 

He  hath  founded  His  throne  for  judgment, 

8  He  is  one  that  judgeth  the  world  in  righteousness. 

That  ruleth  the  nations  justly. 

II 


9     And  Jehovah  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  distressed, 
A  refuge  in  their  times  of  sore  pressure; 

10  And  they  will  trust  Thee,  that  know  Thy  Name  ; 

For  Thou   forsakest  not  those  that  seek  Thee, 
O  Jehovah  ! 

11  Make  melody  to  Jehovah,  whose  throne  is  in  Zion; 

.  Tell  among  the  nations  His  doings. 

12  That  the  Avenger  of  blood  remembereth — 

He  forgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the  suffering. 

13  Pity  me,  O  Jehovah! 

See  how  I  suffer  from  my  foes, 
Thou  that  liftest  me  up  from  the  gates  of  death, 

14  That  I  may  proclaim  all  Thy  praise, 

That  in  the  gates  of  the   daughter  of  Zion  I  may 
rejoice  in  Thy  saving  power. 

15  The  nations  are  sunk  in  the  pit  they  had  made; 

In  the  net  which  they  hid  their  own  foot  is  taken: 

16  It  is  known  of  Jehovah  that  He  dealeth  out  justice; 

In  the  work  of  their  own  hands  are  the  wicked 
ensnared.  [Higgaion.     Selah.] 

17  To  the  underworld  must  the  wicked  return, 

All  the  nations  forgetful  of  God  ; 

18  For  not  alway  shall  the  wretched  be  forgotten, 

Nor  the  sufferer's  hope  be  lost  evermore, 

19  Arise,  O  Jehovah !  let  not  mortals  prevail ; 

Let  the  nations  be  judged  before  Thee: 

20  Put  them  in  fear,  O  Jehovah ! 

That  the  nations  may  know  they  are  but  men. 

[Selah.] 

12 


TENTH 

HY,  O  Jehovah  !  dost  Thou  stand  afar  off, 

And  why  hide  Thy  face  in  times  of  distress  ? 
:   Through  the  pride  of  oppressors  are  the  lowly 
in  anguish, 
And  are  snared  by  the  wiles  they  devised : 

3  Oppressors  praise  God  over  their  soul's  greed  ; 

Defrauders  bless  and  despise  Jehovah. 

4  The  wicked  man  saith  with  a  proud  face, 

"  He  will  not  avenge  ;  " 
"  There  is  no  God  "  is  in  all  his  plans. 

5  Bold  are  his  ways  at  all  times  ; 

Thy  judgments  are  high  aAvay  from  him  : 
As  for  his  foes,  he  puffeth  at  them  all. 

6  He  saith  in  his  heart, 

"  I  shall  not  be  overthrown. 
From  age  to  age  no  ill  shall  befall  me  !  " 

7  His    mouth    is    full  of    cursing,  and    of    deceit    and 

cruelty  ; 
Upon  his  tongue  are  mischief  and  wrong. 

8  He  lieth  in  the  lurking  place  of  hamlets  ; 

In  the  coverts  he  slayeth  the  innocent ; 
His  eyes  are  in  hiding  for  the  wretched. 

9  He  lurketh  in  ambush  as  a  lion  in  his  jungle ; 

He  lurketh  to  capture  the  lowly  ; 
He  captureth    the  lowly,  drawing  them  in  with  his 
net : 

10  They  are  crushed,  they  sink  down  ; 

So  the  wretched  fall  into  his  power. 

1 1  He  saith  in  his  heart,  "  God  remembereth  not ; 

He  covereth  His  face — He  will  never  see." 

13 


12  Arise,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Mighty  One,  hft  up  Thy  hand  ! 
Oh  forget  not  the  lowly ! 

13  Why  doth  the  oppressor  despise  God, 

Saying  in  his  heart  that  Thou  avengest  not  ? 

14  Thou  hast  seen  ; 

For  THOU  beholdest  trouble  and  grief. 
To  take  it  into  Thy  hand  ; 
With  Thee  the  wretched  one  leaveth  it, 

The  orphan  whose  help  Thou  hast  become. 

1 5  Shatter  Thou  the  arm  of  the  wicked ; 
And  as  for  the  malignant, 

Search  out  their  wickedness,  till  Thou  find  none. 

16  Jehovah  is  King  for  ever  and  alway : 

The  heathen  perish  from  His  land. 

17  Thou  hast  heard,  O  Jehovah  !  the  desire  of  the  lowl> 
Thou  wilt  confirm  their  heart ; 

Thou  wilt  make  Thine  ear  attent, 

18  To  defend  the  orphan  and  the  oppressed  ; 
That  earth-born  feebleness  may  terrify  no  more ! 

ELEVENTH 

[for   the   chief   musician.       by   DAVID.] 

N  Jehovah  I  have  taken  refuge  ; 

How  vainly  are  ye  saying  to  my  soul, 
"  Flee  as  a  bird  to  your  mountain  ? 
For,  lo,  the  wicked  bend  the  bow, 

They  fix  their  arrow  upon  the  string, 
To  shoot  from  the  darkness  the  upright  in  heart. 
When  the  pillars  are  broken  down. 
What  then  can  a  righteous  man  do  ?  " 

14 


4  Jehovah  is  in  His  holy  palace  ; 

Jehovah  in  heaven  hath  His  throne  : 
His  eyes  behold, 

His  eyelids  try  the  children  of  men. 

5  Jehovah  proveth  the  righteous  ; 

But  the  wicked  and  lovers  of  violence, 
His  soul  hateth. 

6  He  will  rain  upon  the  wicked  burning  coals  ; 
Fire  and  brimstone,  with  a  scorching  wind, 

Shall  be  the  portion  of  their  cup. 

7  For  Jehovah  is  righteous  ; 

He  loveth  righteousness  ; 
The  righteous  shall  have  vision  of  His  face ! 


TWELFTH 

[for   the   chief   musician.       upon   the   octave.       a   psalm   of   DAVID.] 

ELP,  O  Jehovah  !  for  the  gracious  cease  ; 

Faithfulness  vanisheth  from  the  sons  of  men. 
2  Falsely  they  speak  one  with  another, 

With  treacherous  lips  and  a  double  heart. 

3  Jehovah  destroy  all  treacherous  lips  ; 

The  tongue  that  speaketh  so  proudly — 

4  Those  who  say  :  "  With  our  tongues  we  prevail, 

Our  lips  are  our  own  ; 
Who  is  lord  over  us?  " 


15 


5  "  Because  of  the  oppression  of  the  suffering, 

Because  of  the  groaning  of  the  wretched, 
Now  will  I  arise,"  saith  Jehovah, 

"  I  will  give  them  the  safety  for  which  they  pant. 

6  Words  of  Jehovah  !  Words  without  dross  ! 
Silver  tried  in  the  furnace  of  the  earth, 

Seven  times  refined  ! 

7  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  wilt  preserve  them — 

Wilt  keep  them  from  this  generation  for  ever, 

8  Though  on  every  side  the  wicked  go  about, 

When  vileness  is  exalted  amons  the  sons  of  men. 


THIRTEENTH 

[for    the    chief    musician.        a    psalm    of    DAVID.] 

OW  long,  O  Jehovah  ? 

Wilt  Thou  forget  me  for  ever? 
How  long  wilt  Thou  hide  from  me  Thy  face  ? 

2  How  long  shall  I  lay  plans  in  my  soul, 

With  sorrow  in  my  heart  daily? 
How  long  shall  mine  enemy  exalt  himself  over  me  ? 

3  Look  !  answer  me,  O  Jehovah,  my  God  ! 

Give  light  to  mine  eyes,  lest  I  sleep  in  death  ; 

4  Lest  mine  enemy  say,  "  I  have  overcome  him  ;" 

Lest  my  foes  rejoice  that  I  am  overthrown. 

5  But  as  for  me,  in  Thy  lovingkindness  is  my  trust  : 

Let  my  heart  rejoice  in  Thy  saving  power : 

6  I  will  sing  unto  Jehovah, 

For  He  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  me ! 

i6 


FOURTEENTH 

[for    the    chief    musician.       a    psalm    of    DAVID.] 

HE  fool  .saith  in  his  heart,  "  There  is  no  God  ! 
They  arc  corrupt,  yea,  vile  in  their  deeds ; 
There  is  none  that  doeth  good  ! 


2  Jehovah  looketh  forth  from  heaven  on  the  sons  of  men, 
To  see  whether  any  are  wise, 

Whether  any  are  seeking  after  God. 

3  They  have  all  fallen  away  ;  all  alike  are  they  evil ; 
There  is  none  that  doeth  good, 

No,  not  one ! 

4  Have  they  no  understanding,  all  these  doers  of  wrong, 

That  devour  my  people  as  they  eat  bread, 
And  that  call  not  on  Jehovah? 

5  There  were  they  in  great  terror ! 

For  God  is  with  the  righteous  generation. 

6  The  counsel  of  the  suffering  ye  brought  to  shame, 

But  Jehovah  is  their  refuge. 

7  Oh  that  salvation  for  Israel  might  come  out  of  Zion! 
When  Jehovah  returneth  to  His  captive  people, 

Let  Jacob  rejoice,  let  Israel  be  glad  ! 


17 


FIFTEENTH 


[a    psalm    of    DAVID.] 

HO,  O  Jehovah  !  shall  be  a  guest  in  Thy  tent  ? 
Who  shall  dwell  in  Thy  holy  mountain  ? 


2  He  that  walketh  blamelessly,  and  worketh  righteous- 

ness, 
And  speaketh  truth  in  his  heart : 

3  He  slandereth  not  with  his  tongue; 

He  doeth  no  evil  to  his  friend  ; 
He  taketh  not  up  a  scandal  against  his  neighbour : 

4  Despicable  in  his  sight  are  the  vile, 

But  those  that  fear  Jehovah,  he  honoureth  ; 
He  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not : 

5  His  silver  he  putteth  not  out  to  usury, 

Nor  receiveth  a  bribe  against  the  innocent : 
He  that  doeth  these  things 

Shall  not  be  overthrown  for  ever ! 

^  SIXTEENTH 

[a    MICHTAM    of     DAVID.] 

RESERVE  me,   O   God!   for  in  Thee   I   take 

refuge. 
2   I  avow  to  Jehovah,  "  Thou  ART  MY  LORD  ; 
I  FIND  NO  GOOD  BUT  IN  THEE  :" 
And  I  say  to  the  holy  that  possess  the  land, 
To  the  exalted  nation  wherein  is  all  my  delight, 
"  Their  griefs  shall  be  many  that  pay  dowry 

FOR  idols ; 
I  POUR  not  out  their  libations  of  blood, 
Nor  lift  up  their  names  on  my  lips." 


5  O  Jehovah  !  mine  allotted  portion  and  cup, 

Thou  Thyself  art  my   sure    domain  ; 

6  Regions  of  pleasure  are  meted  out  to  me, 

yea,  a  goodly  heritage  is  mine. 

7  I  bless  Jehovah  who  giveth  me  counsel ; 

Yea,  in  the  night  my  heart  instructeth  me. 

8  I  set  Jehovah  continually  before  me; 

With  Him  at  my  right  hand, 

I  shall  not  be  overthrown. 

9  So  my  heart  is  glad,  my  spirit  exulteth  ; 

My  flesh,  too,  abideth  securely. 

10  For  Thou  wilt  not  abandon  my  soul  unto  death, 

Nor  let  waste  in  the  grave  Thy  beloved. 

1 1  Thou  wilt  acquaint  me  with  the  path  of  life  ; 
In  Thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy  ; 

At  Thy  right  hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 


SEVENTEENTH 

[a  prayer  of  DAVID.] 

EAR  the  right,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Heed  my  wailing,  listen  to  my  prayer,, 
Which  is  not  from  deceitful  lips. 

2  rVom  Thy  presence  let  sentence  go  forth  ; 

Let  Thine  eyes  behold  what  is  upright. 

3  Thou  hast  proved  my  heart ; 

Thou  hast  visited  me  in  the  night ; 
Thou  hast  tried  me,  and  findest  nothing : 
My  thoughts  of  evil  pass  not  from  my  mouth. 

19 


4  As  for  the  doings  of  men, 

By  the  word  of  Thy  Hps 
I  have  shunned  the  paths  of  oppressors  ; 

5  My  steps  hold  firm  to  Thy  footprints ;  , 

My  tread  wavereth  not. 

6  I  call  Thee,  for  Thou  wilt  answer  me,  O  GOD  ! 

Incline  Thine  ear  to  me  ;  hear  Thou  my  plea; 

7  Show  marvellously  Thy  lovingkindness, 

Thou  helper  of  those  that  seek  safety 
From  adversaries   in  Thine  own  right  hand  ! 

K?     Protect  me  as  the  pupil  of  the  eye  ; 

Under  Thy  shadowing  wings  let  me  hide, 
■9     From  the  wicked  that  would  destroy  me, 

My  deadly  foes  that  compass  me  about, 

10  Their  gross  hearts  they  have  closed. 

And  with  their  mouth  they  speak  proudly. 

1 1  In  our  steps  they  now  are  around  us ; 

Their  eyes  they  set  to  cast  us  to  the  earth. 

12  They  are  like  lions,  eager  to  rend  ; 

Like  young  lions  lurking  in  the  coverts. 

13  Arise,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Confront  them,  cast  them  down  ! 
Deliver  my  life  from  the  wicked  by  Thy  sword  ; 

14  From  men  by  Thy  hand,  O  Jehovah  ! 

From  men  of  the  world  whose  portion  is  in  life, 
And  whose  craving  Thou  fillest  with  Thy  treasures: 
They  are  satisfied  that  they  have  sons, 

And  leave  their  wealth  to  their  children. 

20 


15      But  as  for  nic,  in  ri54htcousncss  shall  I  liavc  vision  of 

Ihy  face  ; 
I  shall  be  satisfied  when  I  awake,  for  then  wilt  Thou 
appear. 


EIGHTEENTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.  liY  THE  SERVANT  OF  JEHOVAH,  BY  DAVID, 
WHO  SPAKE  TO  JEHOVAH  THE  WORDS  OF  THIS  SONG,  WHKN  HK  DE- 
LIVERED HIM  FROM  AI.I,  HIS  ENEMIES,  AND  FROM  THE  HAND  OF  SAUI,  ; 
AND  HE  SAID  :] 

YEARN  for  Thee,  O  Jehovah,  my  .strength  ! 
2  Jehovah    is  my  high  lifted  rock,  my  fortress, 
and  my  deliverer ; 
My  God,  my  rock  in  whom  I  take  refuge  ; 
My  shield,  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  my  tower. 

3  On  Jehovah,  who  is  worthy  to  be  praised,  I  call. 

And  from  mine  enemies  I  am  delivered. 

4  Around  me  were  the  snares  of  Death, 

And  the  floods  of  Destruction  affrighted  me  ; 

5  The  Underworld  encompassed  me  with  its  snares, 

And  the  toils  of  Death  confronted  me. 

6  In  my  distress  I  called  on  Jehovah, 

Unto  my  God  I  cried  for  help : 
He  heard  from  His  royal  abode  my  voice, 
And  my  cry  before  Him  came  into  His  ears. 

7  Then  the  earth  shook  and  trembled  ; 

The  foundations  of  the  mountains  quaked  ; 
They  swung  to  and  fro,  because  He  was  wroth. 

8  Smoke  went  up  from  His  nostrils, 

And  fire  out  of  His  mouth  devbured  ; 
Burning  flames  flashed  forth  from  Him. 

21 


9     He  bowed  the  heavens  and  came  down  ; 

And  thick  darkness  was  under  His  feet. 

10  He  rode  on  a  cherub  and  did  fly ; 

Yea,  He  sped  on  the  wings  of  the  wind. 

11  He  made  darkness  His  covering, 

His  paviHon  round  about  Him — 
Darkness  of  waters,  dense  clouds  of  the  skies. 

12  Out  of  the  brightness  before  Him, 
There  passed  through  His  dense  clouds 

Hailstones  and  flames  of  fire. 

13  Then  Jehovah  thundered  in  the  heavens; 
The  Most  High  uttered  His  voice. 

With  hailstones  and  flames  of  fire  ! 

14  He  sent  forth  His  arrows  and  scattered  them  ; 

Lightnings  He  shot  forth  and  routed  them : 

15  And  the  bed  of  the  sea  was  seen, 

The  foundations  of  the  world  were  laid  bare, 
At  Thy  rebuke,  O  Jehovah  ! 

At  the  blast  of  the  breath  of  Thy  nostrils. 

16  He  reached  from  on  high  ;   He  grasped  me  : 

He  drew  me  out  of  the  great  waters ; 

17  He  rescued  me  from  my  strong  enemy, 
And  from  them  that  hate  me, 

For  they  were  mightier  than  I. 

18  They  confronted  me  in  my  day  of  trouble;' 

But  Jehovah  became  my  stay. 

19  He  brought  me  forth  into  an  open  place ; 

He  delivered  me,  for  He  delighted  in  me. 

20  Jehovah  dealeth  with  me 

According  to  my  righteousness  ; 
According  to  the  cleanness  of  my  hands 
He  rendereth  to  me. 


22 


21  For  I  have  kept  the  ways  of  Jehovah, 

And  have  not  by  sin  forsaken  my  God. 

22  For  all  His  ordinances  are  before  me, 

His  statutes  I  put  not  away  from  me; 

23  Yea,  I  have  become  blameless  with  Him, 

And  keep  myself  from  mine  iniquity. 

24  So  Jehovah  rendereth  to  me 

According  to  my  righteousness, 
And  the  cleanness  of  my  hands  in  His  sight. 

25  With  the  loving,  Thou  showest  Thyself  loving; 

With  the  perfect.  Thou  showest  Thyself  perfect; 

26  With  the  pure,  Thou  showest  Thyself  pure ; 

With  the  perverse.  Thou  showest  Thyself  froward. 

27  For  ThC)U  savest  an  humble  people, 

But  lofty  eyes  Thou  bringest  down. 

28  For  it  is  Thou  that  lightest  my  lamp : 

Jehovah,  my  God,  illumineth  my  darkness. 

29  For  by  Thy  help  I  rush  upon  troops  ; 

By  the  help  of  my  God  I  leap  over  walls. 

30  As  for  the  Mighty  One,  His  way  is  perfect : 
The  word  of  Jehovah  is  tried  ; 

To  all  that  hide  in  Him,  He  is  a  shield. 

31  For  who  is  God,  save  Jehovah, 

Or  who  is  a  jock,  save  our  God  ? 

32  It  is  God  that  girdeth  me  with  strength, 

And  that  prospereth  me  in  my  way : 

33  That  giveth  me  feet  like  the  hinds, 

And  on  my  heights  maketh  me  to  stand : 

34  That  traineth  my  hands  for  the  battle, 

And  mine  arms  can  bend  a  bow  of  brass, 

23 


35  And  Thou  givest  me  Thy  saving  shield  ; 
Thy  right  hand  sustaineth, 

And  Thy  lowliness  exalteth  me. 

36  Thou  makest  room  under  me  for  my  steps, 

■  And  my  feet  falter  not. 

37  I  pursue  mine  enemies  and  overtake  them  ; 

I  turn  not  back  till  they  are  consumed. 

38  I  smite  them  through,  and  they  cannot  rise  ; 

They  fall  under  my  feet. 

39  Thou  girdest  me  with  strength  for  the  battle  ; 

Thou  bringest  down  mine  adversaries  under  me. 

40  Through  Thee  I  seize  on  my  fleeing  foe ; 

And  those  that  hate  me  I  utterly  destroy. 

41  They  cry  for  help,  but  there  is  no  saviour. 

Unto  Jehovah,  but  He  answereth  them  not. 

42  I  beat  them  small  as  dust  before  the  wind ; 

Like  the  dirt  of  the  streets  I  scatter  them. 

43  Thou  deliverest  me  from  the  people's  strifes ; 
Thou  puttest  me  at  the  head  of  nations, 

A  people  that  I  know  not  serve  me. 

44  When  their  ear  heareth,  they  obey  me ; 

Aliens  come  cringing  to  me  ; 

45  Aliens  wither  away. 

And  come  trembling  out  of  their  strongholds. 

46  Jehovah  liveth,  and  blessed  be  my  rock ; 

Yea,  exalted  be  God  that  saveth  me : 

47  The  Mighty  One,  that  giveth  me  revenge. 

And  subdueth  nations  under  me  ; 

48  That  delivereth  me  from  mine  enemies. 

Yea,  above  my  foes  Thou  settest  me  on  high  ; 
From  the  man  of  violence  Thou  rescuest  me. 


24 


49  Therefore  will  1   praise   Thee   among   the   nations,  O 

Jehovah  ! 
And  will  make  melody  to  Thy  Name  ; 

50  To  Him  that  giveth  great  victories  to  His  king, 
And  showeth  lovingkindness  to  His  anointed, 

To  David,  and  to  his  offspring  for  ever ! 


NINETEENTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

HE  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God  ; 

The  skies  show  forth  the  work  of  His  hands. 
2  Day  unto  day  is  pouring  out  speech. 

And  night  unto  night,  breathing  knowledge. 

3  Without  speech  and  without  language, 

Without  their  voice  being  heard, 

4  Into  all  the  earth  their  sound  goeth  out. 
And  their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world  ; 

There  He  appointed  a  tent  for  the  sun, 

5  Who  Cometh  out  of  his  chamber  like  a  bridegroom  ; 

He  rejoiceth  as  a  warrior   to  haste  upon  his  path. 

6  From  the  extremity  of  the  heaven  he  cometh  forth, 

And  hath  his  circuit  to  the  bounds  thereof; 
And  nothing  can  hide  from  his  heat. 

7  The  law  of  Jehovah  is  perfect, 

Restoring  the  soul : 
The  testimony  of  Jehovah  is  sure. 
Making  wise  the  simple  : 

8  The  precepts  of  Jehovah  are  right,. 

Rejoicing  the  heart  : 
The  commandment  of  Jehovah  is  pure, 
Enlightening  the  eyes : 

25 


9     The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  clean, 
Enduring  for  ever : 
The  ordinances  of  Jehovah  are  true, 
And  righteous,  all  of  them. 

10  More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold. 

Yea,  than  much  fine  gold  ; 
And  sweeter  than  honey. 

As  it  droppeth  from  the  comb. 

1 1  Moreover  by  them  is  Thy  servant  taught, 

And  in  keeping  them  there  is  great  reward. 

12  His  errors  who  can  understand? 

From  hidden  faults  do  Thou  pronounce  me  clear; 

13  As  well,  from  bolder  sins  restrain  Thy  servant ; 

Let  them  not  rule  over  me : 
Then  shall  I  be  blameless ; 
I  shall  be  free  from  great  transgression. 

14  Let  come  with  acceptance  the  words  of  my  mouth, 
And  the  whispers  of  my  heart  in  Thy  presence, 

O  Jehovah  !  my  rock  and  my  redeemer! 


TWENTIETH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

EHOVAH  answer  thee  in  the  day  of  distress  ; 
The  Name  of  Jacob's  God  give  thee  safety  ! 
2  Send  thee  help  from  the  sanctuary, 
And  out  of  Zion  sustain  thee ! 


Remember  all  thine  offerings, 

And  thy  burnt  sacrifice  accept !     [Selah.] 
Give  thee  according  to  thy  heart's  desire, 

And  all  thy  purposes  accomplish  ! 

26 


5  We  shout  for  joy  in  Thy  salvation  ; 

In  the  Name  of  our  God  wc  display  our  banncr- 
Jeiiovah  fulfilletii  ael  thy  requests! 

6  Now  know  I  that  Jehovah  helpeth  His  anointed; 
He  answereth  him  from  His  holy  heaven, 

With  the  helping  power  of  His  right  hand. 

7  Some  glory  in  chariots,  and  some  in  horses. 

But  we,  in  the  Name  of  Jehovah   our  God. 

8  As  for  them,  they  sink  down,  and  they  fall, 

But  WE  arise  and  stand  firm. 

9  O  Jehovah,  save  Thou  the  king! 

May  He  answer  us  when  we  call ! 


TWENTY-FIRST 

[for  the  chief  musician.        a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

Jehovah  !  in  Th}'  strength  the  king  is  glad  ; 

In  Thy  helping  power  how  great  is  his  joy  ! 
2    His  heart's  desire  Thou  hast  given  him  ; 
The  request  of  his  lips  hast  Thou  not  denied.     [Selah.J 

3  For  Thou  meetest  him  with  rich  blessings ; 

Thou  settest  on  his  head  a  crown  of  pure  gold. 

4  Life  he  asked  of  Thee,  and  Thou  gavest  it  him  , 

Length  of  days  for  ever  and  ever. 

5  Great  is  his  glory  through  Thy  helping  power. 

Renown  and  majesty  hast  Thou  laid  on  him. 

6  For  Thou  appointest  him  to  be  blessed  for  ever ; 

Thou  cheerest  him  with  the  joy  of  Thy  presence, 

2^ 


7  For  the  king  trusteth  in  Jehovah  ; 

And  through  the  lovingkindness  of  the  Most  High, 
He  shall  not  be  overthrown. 

8  Thy  hand  shall  find  out  all  Thine  enemies ; 

Thy  right  hand  shall  find  out  those  that  hate  Thee. 

9  Thou  wilt  make  them  like  a  fiery  furnace 

In  the  time  of  Thy  presence  ; 
Jehovah  in  His  wrath  will  consume, 
Yea,  a  fire  shall  devour  them. 

10  Their  fruit  wilt  Thou  destroy  from  the  earth. 

And  their  offspring  from  the  sons  of  men. 

1 1  Because  they  intend  evil  against  Thee  ; 

They  have  devised  a  plot,  but  can  do  nothing: 

12  For  Thou  wilt  put  them  to  flight, 

When  Thou  preparcst  Thy  bowstrings  against  them. 

13  Be  exalted,  O  Jehovah,  in  Thy  strength  ! 

We  will  sing  and  strike  the  harp  to  Thy  power ! 


TWENTY-SECOND 

[for  THE  CHIEF  MUSICIAN.      SET  TO    "  AYELETH  HASHAHAR."     A  PSALM  OF 

DAVID.] 

Y  God  !  my  God  ! 

Why  hast  Thou  forsaken  me  ? 
Why  art  Thou  far  from  helping  me, 
Far  from  my  suffering  cry? 
O  my  God  !  I  call  Thee  through  the  day, 

But  Thou  answerest  not : 
And  in  the  night  season. 

But  there  is  no  relief  for  me. 


28 


3  Vet  art  Thou  IIOLY, 

Enthroned  amid  the  praises  of  Israel. 

4  In  Thee  our  fathers  trusted, 

They  trusted,  and  Thou  dehveredst  them. 

5  Unto  Thee  they  cried,  and  were  set  free  ; 

In  Thee  they  trusted, and  were  not  put  to  shame. 

6  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  not  a  man  ; 

Reviled  by  men,  despised  by  the  people. 

7  All  that  see  me  scoff  at  me — 

They  thrust  out  the  lip,  they  wag  the  head  ; 

8  "  He  trusted  in  Jehovah  ,  let  Him  release  him; 

Let  Him  rescue  him,  for  He  delighteth  in  him." 

9  Yea,  Thou  art  He  that  caused  me  to  be  born  ; 

That  gave  me  confidence  on  my  mother's  breast. 

10  Upon  Thee  I  was  cast  from  my  birth  ; 

From  my  earliest  breath,  Thou  art  my  God  ! 

1 1  Be  not  far  from  me,  for  distress  is  near, 

And  there  is  none  to  help. 

12  Mighty  bulls  have  surrounded  me  ; 

The  strong  of  Bashan  encircle  me  : 

13  They  open  their  mouths  against  me. 

As  if  lions  were  rending  and  roaring. 

14  I  am  poured  out  like  water. 

And  all  my  bones  are  out  of  joint : 
My  heart  hath  become  like  wax  ; 
It  is  melted  within  my  breast. 

15  My  strength  is  dried  up  like  the  potter's  fragments, 
And  my  tongue  cleaveth  to  my  jaws ; 

In  the  dust. of  death  Thou  layest  me. 


1 6  For  dogs  have  surrounded  me  : 

A  band  of  evil-doers  hemmeth  me  in  ; 
They  pierce  my  hands  and  my  feet. 

17  I  can  count  all  my  bones, 

But  mine  enemies  gloat  over  me; 

18  They  part  among  them  my  garments, 

And  they  cast  lots  upon  my  vesture. 

19  But  Thou,  O  Jehovah,  be  not  far  off! 

0  my  Strength  !  for  my  help  haste  Thee! 

20  Snatch  away  from  the  sword  my  life ; 

My  precious  life  from  the  power  of  the  dog. 

21  Save  me  from  the  mouth  of  the  lion, 

And  from  the  horns  of  wild  cattle— 
Thou  hast  answered  me  ! 

22  I  will  proclaim  Thy  Name  to  my  brethren; 

In  the  midst  of  the  assembly  will  I  praise  Thee  : 

1  will  utter  Thy  praise : 

23  "  Ye  that  fear  Jehovah,  praise  Him  ! 
All  ye  seed  of  Jacob,  glorify  Him  ! 

Reverence  Him,  all  ye  seed  of  Israel ! 

24  For  He  despised  not,  nor  spurned  the  sufferer's  pain, 

And  hid  not  from  him  His  face  ; 
But  He  heard  when  he  cried  to  Him  for  help." 

25  From  Thee  is  my  praise  in  the  great  assembly ; 

I  will  pay  my  vows  before  those  that  fear  Him. 

26  Let  the  lowly  in  spirit  eat  and  be  filled  ; 
Let  them  that  seek  Jehovah  praise  Him  : 

"  May  your  heart  find  life  for  ever!  " 

27  Let  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  remember  and  return  to 

Jehovah  ; 

30 


Let  all  the  families  of  the  nations  worship  in  Thy 
presence  ; 

28  For  Jehovah's  is  the  kingdom, 

And  He  is  Ruler  over  the  nations, 

29  Let  all  the  rich  of  the  earth  eat  and  worship  ; 

Let  all  that  go  down  to  the  dust  kneel  before  Him  ; 
Even  those  that  could  not  preserve  their  own  lives  ! 

30  Posterity  shall  serve  Him  ; 

It  shall  be  told  of  the  Lord  to  the  after  race. 

31  They  shall  come  and  proclaim  His  righteousness  ; 

A  people  to  be  born  shall  be  told  what  He  hath  done. 


TWENTY-THIRD 

EHOVAH  is  my  shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want. 
2   In  green  pastures  He  maketh  me  to  lie  down ; 
By  restful  waters  He  leadeth  me. 

3  He  restoreth  My  soul ; 

He  guideth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness, 
For  His  Name's  sake. 

4  Yea,  when  I  walk  in  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 

I  fear  no  evil ;  for  Thou  art  with  me : 
Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 

5  Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me 

In  the  presence  of  mine  enemies: 
Thou  hast  anointed  my  head  with  oil ; 
My  cup  runneth  over. 

6  Only  goodness  and  lovingkindness  follow  me 

All  the  days  of  my  life ; 
And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  Jehovah  for  ever. 


TWENTY-FOURTH 

[by  DAVID.        A  PSALM.] 

HE  earth  is  Jehovah's,  and  the  fulness  thereof. 

The  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein  ; 

2   For  it  is  He  that  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 

That  made  it  firm  upon  the  floods. 

3  "  Who  shall  ascend  Jehovah's  mountain  ? 

Who  shall  arise  in  His  holy  place  ?" 

4  "  He  that  hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart ; 
Who  lifteth  not  his  soul  unto  evil, 

And'  sweareth  not  with  deceit." 

5  "  He  shall  receive  blessings  from  Jehovah, 

And  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 

6  This  is  the  generation  of  those  that  seek  Him, 

Of  those  in  Jacob  that  seek  Thy  face,  O  God  ! 

7  "  Lift  up   your  heads,  O  ye  gates'; 
Lift  up  yourselves,  ye  ancient  doors. 

That  the  King  of  Glory  may  come  in  !  " 

8  "  Who,  then,  is  the  King  of  Glory?  " 

"  Jehovah,  the  Strong,  the  Champion  ; 
Jehovah,  the  Champion  in  battle. 

9  Lift  up,  O  ye  gates,  your  heads  ! 
Lift  up  yourselves,  ye  ancient  doors, 

That  the  King  of  Glory  may  come  in !  " 

lO     "Who,  then,  is  the  King  of  Glory?" 

"  Jehovah  of  Hosts  , 

He  is  the  King  of  Glory."     [Selah.] 

32 


TWENTY-FIFTH 

[liY    DAVID.] 

NTO  Thcc,  O  Jehovah  !  I  hft  up  my  soul. 
2    O  my  God  !  in  Thee  do  I  trust ; 
Let  me  not  come  to  shame ; 
Let  not  mine  enemies  triumph  over  me  : 

3  Yea,  let  none  that  wait  for  Thee  come  to  shame  ; 

Let  those  come  to  shame  who  are  faithless  wantonly. 

4  \\'ith  Thy  ways,  O  Jehovah  !  acquaint  me  ; 

Thy  paths  teach  me  : 

5  Guide  me  in  Thy  faithfulness  and  teach  me, 
P"or  Thou  art  the  God  of  my  salvation ; 

I  wait  for  Thee  all  the  day  long. 

6  Remember  Thy  compassions,  O  Jehovah! 

And  Thy  loving  deeds  ; 
For  they  are  ever  of  old  : 

7  The  sins  of  my  youth  and  my  transgressions 

Remember.  Thou  not ! 
In  Thy  lovingkindness  remember  me, 
For  Thy  goodness'  sake,  O  Jehovah  ! 

8  Good  and  upright  is  Jehovah  ; 

Therefore  He  directeth  sinners  in  the  way: 

9  He  guideth  the  humble  in  the  right ; 

He  teacheth  the  humble  His  way. 

10  All  the  paths  of  Jehovah  are  lovingkindness  and  truth 

To  those  that  keep  His  covenant  and  His  precepts. 

1 1  For  Thy  Name's  sake,  O  Jehovah, 

Pardon  my  guilt,  for  it  is  great ! 

12  Where  is  the  man  that  feareth  Jehovah? 

He  will  instruct  him  in  the  way  he  should  choose: 

33 


13  His  soul  shall  dwell  in  prosperity, 

And  his  offspring  shall  inherit  the  land. 

14  Jehovah's  friendship  is  Avith  those  that  fear  Him, 

And  His  covenant  for  their  instruction. 

15  Mine  eyes  are  ever  toward  Jehovah, 

For  He  will  free  my  foot  from  the  net. 

16  Turn  Thee  to  me,  and  have  pity  on  me, 

For  I  am  lonely  and  suffering  : 

17  Reheve  the  oppression  of  my  heart, 

And  bring  me  out  of  my  distresses. 

18  Behold  me  suffering  and  troubled, 

And  forgive  all  my  sins : 

19  Behold  mine  enemies,  for  they  are  many, 

And  with  cruel  hatred  they  hate  me. 

20  Oh  keep  my  soul,  and  deliver  me  ; 
And  let  me  not  come  to  shame, 

For  I  take  refuge  in  Thee : 

21  Let  integrity  and  uprightness  preserve  me, 

For  I  wait  for  Thee. 

22  Redeem  Israel,  O  God! 

Out  of  all  his  distresses. 

TWENTY-SIXTH 

[by   DAVID.] 

UDGE  me,  O  Jehovah! 
For  I  walk  in  mine  integrity ; 

In  Jehovah  I  trust  without  wavering. 
Search  me,0  Jehovah!  and  try  me; 

Cleanse  from  evil  mine  inmost  heart ! 
For  Thy  lovingkindness  is  before  mine  eyes, 
And  I  walk  in  Thy  faithfulness. 

34 


4  I  sit  not  with  men  of  falsehood, 

And  with  dissemblers  I  go  not : 

5  I  hate  the  assembly  of  evil  doers, 

And  with  the  wicked  I  will  not  abide. 

6  I  wash  my  hands  in  innocence  ; 

And  I  will  compass  Thine  altar,  O  Jehovah  ! 

7  To  proclaim  with  the  voice  of  thanksgiving. 

And  to  tell  of  all  Thy  wondrous  works. 

8  Jehovah  !  I  love  the  habitation  of  Thy  house, 

The  place  where  Thy  Glory  dwelleth. 

9  Gather  not  my  soul  with  sinners, 

Nor  with  blood-stained  men  my  life  ; 

10  In  whose  hands  there  is  crime, 

And  their  right  hand  is  full  of  bribes ! 

1 1  But  as  for  me,  I  walk  in  mine  integrity ; 

Redeem  me,  and  deal  kindly  with  me. 

12  My  foot  standcth  in  an  even  place  ; 

In  the  assemblies  I  bless  Jehovah ! 


TWENTY-SEVENTH 

[by  DAVID.] 

EHOVAH  is  my  light  and  my  salvation ; 

Whom  shall  I  fear? 
Jehovah  is  the  stronghold  of  my  life ; 
Of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid? 
When  the  wicked  came  against  me, 

To  devour  my  flesh, 
Oppressing  and  hating  me,  they  stumbled  and  fell. 

35 


3  Should  a  host  encamp  against  me, 

My  heart  shall  not  fear ; 
Should  war  rise  against  me, 

Even  then  will  I  be  trustful. 

4  One  thing  have  I  asked  of  Jehovah, 

That  will  I  seek  after ; 
That  I  may  dwell  in  the  ho.use  of  Jehovah 
All  the  days  of  my  life. 
To  enjoy  the  graciousness  of  Jehovah, 
And  to  delight  in  His  temple. 

5  For  He  will  conceal  me  in  His  pavilion 

In  the  day  of  evil ; 
He  will  hide  me  in  the  shelter  of  His  tabernacle; 
Upon  a  rock  He  will  exalt  me. 

6  Then  shall  my  head  be  set  on  high, 

Above  mine  enemies  around  me  ; 
And  I  will  offer  in  his  tabernacle 

Sacrifices  with  a  trumpet  sound  : 
I  will  sing  and  strike  the  harp  to  Jehovah. 

7  Hear  my  voice,  O  Jehovah  !  when  I  call ; 

Deal  kindly  with  me,  and  answer  me. 

8  Unto  Thee  my  heart  respondeth. 

When  Thou  sayest,  "Seek  ye  My  face!" 
"  Thy  face,  O  Jehovah  !  I  will  seek." 

9     Hide  not  Thy  face  from  me ; 

Turn  not  away  Thy  servant  in  anger : 
Thou  hast  been  my  help  ; 

Cast  me  not  off,  neither  forsake  me, 
O  God  of  my  salvation  ! 
lo     For  my  father  and  my  mother  have  forsaken  me, 
And  Jehovah  gathereth  me  in. 

36 


1 1  Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Jehovah  ! 
And  lead  me  in  an  even  path, 

Becavisc  of  mine  enemies. 

12  Yield  mc  not  up  to  the  will  of  mine  adversaries  ; 
For  false  witnesses  rise  against  me. 

That  breathe  out  cruelty. 

13  O  had  I  not  confidence 

That  I  should  see  the  goodness  of  Jehovah 
In  the  land  of  the  living — 

14  Wait  thou  for  Jehovah  ! 

Be  of  good  courage,  and  let  thy  heart  be  firm ; 
Wait  thou  for  Jehovah  ! 

TWENTY-EIGHTH 

[by   DAVID.] 

NTO  Thee,  O  Jehovah  !  I  call ; 

0  my  Rock !  be  not  deaf  to  me : 
Lest  if  Thou  be  silent  to  me, 

1  become  like  those  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 

2  Hear  my  supplicating  voice. 

When  I  cry  unto  Thee  for  help  ; 
When  I  lift  my  hands  toward  Thy  holy  retreat. 

3  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  wicked. 

Nor  with  the  workers  of  iniquity  ; 
Who  speak  kindly  with  their  neighbours, 
While  evil  is  in  their  hearts. 

4  Give  them  according  to  their  work, 

According  to  the  evil  of  their  doings: 
According  as  their  hands  have  wrought  give  them; 
Render  unto  them  their  desert : 

37 


5  For  they  give  no  heed  to  the  works  of  Jehovah, 

To  that  which  is  wrought  by  His  power ; 
Therefore  He  will  destroy,  and  not  rebuild  them. 

6  Blessed  be  Jehovah  ! 

For  He  hath  heard  my  supplicating  voice ! 
1     Jehovah  is  my  strength  and  my  shield  ; 

In  Him  my  heart  trusteth,  and  I  am  helped: 
Therefore  my  heart  exulteth, 
And  in  my  song  I  praise  Him  ! 

8  Jehovah  is  the  strength  of  His  people; 

And  a  stronghold  of  salvation  to  His  anointed. 

9  Save  Thy  people,  and  bless  Thine  inheritance ; 

Be  their  shepherd,  and  bear  them  up  for  ever. 

TWENTY-NINTH 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

IVE  to  Jehovah,  ye  sons  of  the  Mightiest, 

Give  to  Jehovah  glory  and  strength! 
2  Give  to  Jehovah  the  glory  of  His  Name, 
Worship  Jehovah  in  holy  attire  ! 

3  The  voice  of  Jehovah  is  upon  the  waters ! 
The  God  of  glory  thundereth  ! 

The  voice  of  Jehovah  is  upon  the  great  waters! 

4  The  voice  of  Jehovah  is  with  power; 

The  voice  of  Jehovah  is  with  majesty. 

5  The  voice  of  Jehovah  shattereth  cedars, 

Jehovah  shattereth  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  ; 

6  And  He  maketh  them  spring  like  a  calf, 

Lebanon  and  Sirion  like  a  young  antelope. 

7  The  voice  of  Jehovah  cleaveth  the  lightning's  flash. 

38 


8  The  voice  of  Jehovah  shaketh  the  wilderness, 

Jehovah  shaketh  the  wilderness  of  Kadesh. 

9  The  voice  of  Jehovah  maketh  the  hinds  to  travail, 

And  it  strippeth  the  forests ; 
And  within  His  royal  dwelling 
It  all  proclaimeth  GlORY  ! 

10     Jehovah  at  the  flood  sat  enthroned, 

And  Jehovah  sitteth  King  for  ever! 
Jehovah  strength  to  His  people  giveth ; 
Jehovah  blesseth  His  people  with  peace! 


THIRTIETH 

[a  psalm.      a  song  at  the  dedication  of  the  house.      by  DAVID.] 

extol  Thee,  O  Jehovah! 
For  Thou  hast  raised  me  up, 
And  sufferest  not  my  foes  to  rejoice  over  me. 

2  O  Jehovah,  my  God  ! 

I  cried  to  Thee,  and  Thou  hast  healed  me  ; 

3  Thou  hast  brought  up  my  soul  from  the  underworld  ; 
Thou  hast   given    me  new  life,   O   Jehovah  !  that  I 

should  not  go  down  to  the  grave. 

4  Strike  the  harp  to  Jehovah,  O  ye  whom  He  loveth ! 
And  praise  ye  His  holy  memorial  Name. 

5  For  there  is  a  moment  for  His  anger, 

A  lifetime  for  His  favour; 
At  evening,  weeping  cometh  in  to  lodge ; 
In  the  morning,there  is  a  song  of  joy  I 

6  But  as  for  me,  I  said  in  my  security, 

"  I  shall  not  be  overthrown  for  ever." 

39 


7  O  Jehovah  !  in  Thy  good  pleasure, 

Hadst  Thou  made  my  mountain  to  stand  strong  ; 
When  Thou  didst  hide  Thy  face,  I  was  in  dismay. 

8  Unto  Thee,  O  Jehovah!  I  called; 

To  Jehovah  I  made  supplication : 

9  ''  What  profit  is  there  in  my  life. 

When  I  go  down  into  the  grave  ? 
Shall  the  dust  praise  Thee  ? 

Shall  it  proclaim  Thy  truth  ? 

10  Hear,  O  Jehovah  !  and  pity  me  ! 

O  Jehovah  !  come  and  help  me!  " 

1 1  Thou  hast  turned  for  me  my  mourning  into  dancing, 
Thou  hast  loosed  my  sackcloth. 

And  hast  girded  me  with  gladness  ; 

12  That  my  spirit  may  sing  to  Thee,  and  not  be  silent ; 

O  Jehovah,  my  God  !  for  ever  will  I  praise  Thee  ! 


THIRTY-FIRST 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

N  Thee,  O  Jehovah  !  I  take  refuge; 

Let  me  never  come  to  shame ; 
In  Thy  righteousness  deliver  me. 

2  Incline  Thine  ear  to  me, 

Haste  Thee  to  my  rescue  ; 
Let  me  find  Thee  a  rock-built  fortress  , 
A  castle  where  I  may  dwell  in  safety. 

3  For  Thou  art  my  high  lifted  rock  and  fortress  ; 

For  Thy  Name's  sake  Thou  wilt  lead  and  guide  me. 

4  Thou  wilt  free  me  from  the  net  they  hid  for  me, 

Because  Thou  art  my  saving  power. 

40 


5  Into  Thy  hand  I  commit  my  spirit ; 
Thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Jehovah ! 

Thou  Mighty  One  of  truth  ! 

6  I  hate  those  that  wait  on  vain  idols, 

And  I  put  my  trust  in  Jehovah. 

7  I  will  rejoice  and  exult  in  Thy  lovingkindness ; 

That  Thou  seest  my  sufferings, 
Art  acquainted  with  my  soul's  distress, 

8  And  hast  not  shut  me  up  in  the  enemy's  power,. 

But  hast  set  my  feet  in  an  open  place. 

9  Pity  me,  O  Jehovah  !  for  I  am  in  distress ; 
Mine  eye  languishcth  with  grief, 

Yea,  my  soul  and  mine  inmost  being, 

10  For  my  life  passeth  away  in  sorrow, 

And  my  years  in  sighing ; 
My  strength  faileth  by  reason  of  my  sins, 
And  my  bones  are  wasting. 

1 1  Because  of  all  my  adversaries,  I  am  a  scorn  , 

To  my  neighbours  a  burden, 
And  a  terror  to  my  friends ; 
They  that  see  me  in  the  streets  flee  from  me. 

12  I  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of  mind  ; 

I  have  become  like  a  thing  that  perisheth  : 

13  For  I  hear  the  sly  movements  of  many. 

There  is  a  horror  on  every  side  ; 
In  their  counsel  together  against  me, 

They  devise  to  take  away  my  life. 

14  But  on  Thee  I  rely,  O  Jehovah  I 

I  avow  to  Thee,  "  Thou  art  my  God  !  " 

41 


15  In  Thy  hand  are  my  times; 

Rescue  me  from  the  power  of  my  foes, 

And  from  those  that  pursue  me. 

1 6  Let  Thy  presence  shine  on  Thy  servant, 

And  save  me  in  Thy  lovingkindness. 

17  O  Jehovah  !  let  me  not  come  to  shame, 

For  on  Thee  I  call ; 
Let  the  wicked  come  to  shame, 

Let  them  be  silent  in  the  underworld  ; 

18  Let  the  lying  lips  be  stricken  dumb, 

That  speak  insolently  of  the  righteous, 
With  haughtiness  and  contempt. 

19  Oh  how  great  is  Thy  goodness. 

Which  Thou  hast  laid  up  for  those  that  fear  Thee, 
Which  Thou  showest  to  those  that  take  refuge  in  Thee 
Before  the  children  of  men  ! 

20  Thou  hidest  them  in  the  covert  of  Thy  presence 

From  the  conspiracies  of  men  ; 
Thou  concealest  them  in  a  pavilion 

From  the  contention  of  tongues. 

21  Blessed  be  Jehovah  ! 

For  He  hath  treated  me  with  wondrous  love 
In  a  city  that  hath  walls. 

22  But  I  had  said  in  my  alarm, 

"  I  am  cut  off  frqm  before  Thine  eyes !  " 
Verily  Thou  heardest  my  suppliant  voice, 
When  I  cried  to  Thee  for  help. 

23  Love  Jehovah,  all  ye  His  saints  ! 
Jehovah  preserveth  the  faithful. 

But  repayeth  the  proud  in  (-all  measure. 

24  Be  of  good  courage  and  let  your  heart  be  firm. 

All  ye  that  wait  for  Jehovah  ! 

42 


THIRTY-SECOND 

[by  DAVID.       A  MASKIL.] 

the  blessedness  of  him, 

Whose  transgression  is  taken  away, 
Whose  sin  is  covered  ! 

2  0  the  blessedness  of  the  man, 

To  whom  Jehovah  imputeth  no  guilt. 
And  in  whose  spirit  there  is  no  deceit ! 

3  While  I  held  my  peace,  my  bones  wasted. 

Through  my  moaning  all  the  day  long, 

4  For  day  and  night  Thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me, 
My    moisture    was    changed    into    the    drought    of 

summer.     [Selah.] 

5  Then  I  acknowledged  my  sin  to  Thee, 

And  my  guilt  I  ceased  to  conceal  ; 
I  said  :  "  I  will  confess  my  fault  to  Jehovah," 

And  Thou  hast  taken  away  the  guilt  of  my  sin. 

[Selah.] 

6  Thus  shall  every  gracious  one  pray  to  Thee 

In  a  time  when  Thou  mayest  be  found  ; 
Surely  when  great  waters  are  whelming, 

As  for  him,  he  shall  be  out  of  their  reach. 

7  Thou  art  my  hiding-place  ; 

From  distress  Thou  preservest  me  ; 
With  songs  of  deliverance 

Dost  Thou  compass  me  about.     [Selah.] 
« 

8  I    will    instruct    and    guide    thee    in    the   way   thou 

shalt  go  ; 
I  will  give  thee  counsel,  keeping  Mine  eye  upon  thee. 

43 


9     Become  not  like  the  horse  and  the  mule, 
That  are  without  discernment ; 
Whose  harness  hath  bit  and  bridle  to  hold  them, 
Or  they  would  not  be  near  thee. 

10  Many  sorrows  have  the  wicked  ; 
But  he  that  trusteth  in  Jehovah, 

Lovingkindness  shall  compass  him  about. 

11  Rejoice  in  Jehovah,  and  exult,  ye  righteous; 

Sing  for  joy,  all  ye  upright  in  heart ! 

f 

THIRTY-THIRD 

jING  for  joy  in  Jehovah,  O  ye  righteous ! 
For  the  upright  a  praise-song  is  comely. 
2  Give  thanks  to  Jehovah  with  the  harp ; 
Play  to  Him  upon  a  ten-stringed  lute. 

3  Sing  unto  Him  a  new  song; 

Play  skilfully  with  a  trumpet  sound. 

4  For  the  word  of  Jehovah  is  upright, 

And  all  that  He  doeth  is  faithful. 

5  He  loveth  righteousness  and  justice  ; 

The  earth  is  full  of  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah. 

6  By  the  word  of  Jehovah  were  the  heavens  made ; 

By  the  breath  of  His  mouth  all  their  hosts. 

7  He  amasseth  the  waters  of  the  sea  ; 

He  storeth  in  treasuries  the  depths. 

» 

8  Let  all  the  earth  fear  before  Jehovah ; 

Let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  stand  in  awe 
of  Him: 


44 


9     For  He  spake  and  it  was  done  ; 

He  commanded  and  it  stood  fast. 

10  Jehovah  annulleth  the  counsel  of  kingdoms; 

He  maketh  void  the  thoughts  of  the  nations  : 

11  But  Jehovah's  counsel  standeth  for  ever, 

The  thoughts  of  His  heart  to  the  uttermost  age. 

12  Happy  the  nation  whose  God  is  Jehovah, 

The  people  He  hath  chosen  for  His  possession. 

13  From  high  heaven  Jehovah  looketh  forth  ; 

He  seeth  all  the 'children  of  men. 

14  From  His  dwelling  place  He  looketh  forth 

Upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  ; 

15  He  that  fashioneth  the  hearts  of  them  all, 

That  considereth  all  their  doings. 

« 

16  A  king  is  not  saved  by  a  vast  army, 

Nor  a  warrior  rescued  by  great  power: 

17  A  horse  is  a  vain  hope  for  victory  ; 

Even  by  his  great  strength  he  cannot  deliver. 

18  Behold,  the  eye  of  Jehovah  is  on  those  that  fear  Him, 

On  those  that  wait  for  His  lovingkindness  ; 

19  To  deliver  their  soul  from  death, 

And  to  keep  them  alive  in  famine. 

20  Our  soul  waiteth  for  Jehovah ; 

He  is  our  help  and  our  shield  : 

21  For  in  Him  our  heart  rejoiceth, 

And  in  His  holy  Name  is  our  trust. 

22  Let  Thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah  !  be  upon  us, 

According  as  we  wait  for  Thee  ! 

45 


THIRTY-FOURTH 

[by    DAVID,    WHEN    HE    FEIGNED    MADNESS    BEFORE    ABIMELECH  ;   AND    HE 
DROVE  HIM  AWAY,  AND  HE  DEPARTED.] 

will  bless  Jehovah  at  all  times ; 

His  praise  shall  be  ever  in  my  mouth. 
2   In  Jehovah  my  soul  glorieth  ; 

Let  the  suffering  hear  and  rejoice ! 

3  Oh  magnify  Jehovah  with  me, 

And  let  us  exalt  His  name  together. 

4  I  sought  Jehovah,  and  He  answered  me, 

And  delivered  me  from  all  my  fears. 

5  They  that  look  unto  Him  are  illumined ; 

And  let  not  their  faces  be  ashamed. 
9     This  sufferer  called,  and  Jehovah  heard, 

And  out  of  all  his  distresses  He  saved  him. 

7  The  Angel  of  Jehovah  keepeth  guard  around  those 

that  fear  Him, 
And  He  delivereth  them. 

8  Oh  taste  and  see  that  Jehovah  is  good ; 

How  blest  is  the  man  that  taketh  refuge  in  Him! 

9  Fear  Jehovah,  O  ye  saints  of  His  ! 

For  there  is  no  want  to  those  that  fear  Him. 

10  The  young  lions  are  poor  and  hungry; 
But  those  that  seek  Jehovah 

Shall  not  want  any  good  thing. 

1 1  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me ; 

I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of  Jehovah. 

12  Who  is  the  man  that  desireth  long  life. 

That  loveth  to  see  days  of  prosperity  ? 

46 


13  Watch  thy  tongue,  that  it  abstain  from  evil, 

And  thy  Hps,  that  they  speak  no  guile. 

14  Turn  away  from  evil,  and  do  thou  the  good  ; 

Inquire  after  peace,  and  pursue  it. 

15  The  eyes  of  Jehovah  are  upon  the  righteous, 

His  ears  are  open  to  their  cry  for  help  : 

16  The  face  of  Jehovah  is  against  evil  doers. 

To  cut  off  their  remembrance  from  the  earth. 

17  The  righteous  cry,  and  Jehovah  hcareth, 

And  delivercth  them  out  of  all  their  distresses. 

18  Jehovah  is  near  to  the  broken  in  heart ; 

He  saveth  the  crushed  in  spirit. 

19  Many  arc  the  sufferings  of  the  righteous; 

But  Jehovah  delivereth  from  them  all. 

20  He  keepeth  all  their  bones ; 

Not  one  of  them  is  broken. 

21  Evil  bringeth  death  to  the  wicked  ; 

The  foes  of  the  righteous  shall  be  condemned  : 

22  Jehovah  redeemeth  the  soul  of  His  servants; 

None  shall  be  condemned  that  take  refuse  in  Him. 


THIRTY-FIFTH 

[by   DAVID.] 

ONTEND  Thou,  O  Jehovah!  with  those  that 
contend  with  me  ; 
Fight  against  those  that  fight  against  me. 
Grasp  the  shield  and  the  buckler, 

And  arise  in  my  defence. 
Draw  out  the  spear  and  shut  off  my  pursuers; 
Say  unto  my  soul,  "  I  will  save  thee." 

47 


4  Let  them  be  put  to  shame  and  confusion, 

That  seek  after  my  life  ; 
Let  them  be  turned  back  in  dishonour, 
That  intend  me  evil. 

5  Let  them  be  as  chaff  before  the  wind, 

The  Angel  of  Jehovah  thrusting  them  oiij 

6  Let  their  way  become  dark  and  slippery. 

The  Angel  of  Jehovah  pursuing  them. 

7  For  without  cause  they  hid  for  me  a  snare ; 

Without  cause  they  digged  a  pit  for  my  life. 

8  Let  ruin  overtake  them  unawares  ; 

Let  their  net  which  they  hid  catch  themselves ; 
Lito  that  very  ruin  let  them  fall. 

9  Then  shall  my  soul  rejoice  in  Jehovah  ; 

It  shall  exult  in  His  saving  power. 

10  All  my  bones  shall  say  : 

"  O  Jehovah,  who  is  like  unto  Thee, 
Who  deliverest  the  suffering  from  his  stronger  foe, 
The  suffering  and  needy  from  his  spoiler? 

1 1  Slanderous  accusers  rise  against  me, 

Who  charge  me  with  that  which  I  know  not. 

12  They  render  me  evil  for  good ; 

Bereavement  hath  come  upon  my  soul. 

13  And  I — in  the  time  of  their  sickness, 

My  clothing  was  sackcloth  ; 
I  humbled  with  fasting  my  soul : 
And  my  prayer — let  it  return  into  my  own  bosom ! 

14  As  if  he  were  my  friend,  my  brother,  I  went  about ; 
As  when  one  mourneth  for  a  mother, 

In  garments  of  woe  I  bowed  down. 

48 


15  But  when  my  weakness  came  on, 

They  were  glad  and  gathered — 
They  gathered  against  me  with  railing, 
When  I  knew  it  not ; 
They  rent  me  asunder  and  were  not  silent. 

16  They  were  like  vile  babblers  for  a  dainty  morsel; 

They  gnashed  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 

17  O  Lord!  how  long  wilt  Thou  look  on? 
Recover  my  life  from  their  ruin, 

My  precious  life  from  the  young  lions  ; 

18  And  I  will  give  Thee  thanks  in  the  great  assembly, 

Among  a  mighty  nation  I  will  praise  Thee. 

19  Let  not  my  treacherous    foes  rejoice  over  me, 

Nor  them  that  hate  me  unjustly  glance  in  triumph  ; 

20  For  they  speak  not  with  peaceful  intent, 

But  devise  slanders  against  the  quiet  in  the  land: 

21  Yea,  they  exclaim  at  me  with  wide  mouth  ; 

They  say,  "  Aha  !  Aha  !  our  eyes  have  seen  !  " 

22  Thou  seest,  O  Jehovah  !  keep  not  silence  ; 

O  Lord  !  be  not  far  away  from  me  ; 

23  Awake,  yea,  arouse  Thee,  that  I  may  have  justice  ; 

My  God  and  my  Lord !  appear  for  my  defence. 

24  Judge  me  in  Thy  righteousness, 

O  Jehovah,  my  God  ! 
And  let  them  not  rejoice  over  me. 

25  Let  them  not  say  in  their  heart, 

"  Aha !  we  have  our  wish  1 " 
Let  them  not  say, 

"  We  have  engulfed  him  !  " 

49 


26  Let  those  that  rejoice  in  harming  me, 

Be  ashamed  and  confounded  together ; 
Let  those  that  swell  proudly  against  me, 

Be  clothed  with  ignominy  and  disgrace. 

27  Let  those  that  have  pleasure  in  my  righteousness, 

Sing  for  joy  and  be  glad  ; 
Let  them  say  continually,  "  Jehovah  be  magnified. 
Who  delighteth  in  the  welfare  of  His  servant." 

28  Then  my  tongue  shall  utter  Thy  righteousness. 

And  all  the  day  long,  Thy  praise. 


THIRTY-SIXTH 

[by  DAVID,  THE  SERVANT  OF  JEHOVAH.] 

revelation  within  my  heart 

Of  the  transgression  of  the  wicked  ! 
God  appeareth  not  as  a  terror  before  his  eyes  ; 

2  But  in  his  sight,  He  dealeth  gently  with  him, 

That  his  iniquity  may  be  discovered  and  hated. 

3  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  mischief  and  falsehood ; 

He  hath  forsaken  wisdom  and  virtue. 

4  He  deviseth  mischief  upon  his  bed ; 

He  taketh  his  stand  in  ways  that  are  not  good  ; 
Evil  he  abhorreth  not. 

5  O   Jehovah !   Thy    lovingkindness    reacheth    to    the 

heavens, 
And  Thy  faithfulness,  to  the  skies. 

6  Thy  righteousness  is  like  the  mountains  of  God  ; 
Thy  judgments  are  a  great  deep; 

Thou,  O  Jehovah !  hast  care  over  man  and  beast. 

50 


7  How  precious  is  Thy  lovingkindness,  O  God ! 

That  the  sons  of  men  flee  for  refuge  to  Thy  shadowing 
wings ; 

8  They  overflow  with  the  blessings  of  Thy  house, 

And  Thy  river  of  pleasures  refresheth  them  ; 

9  For  with  Thee  is  the  fountain  of  life ; 

It  is  in  Thy  light  that  we  see  light ! 

10  Continue  Thy  lovingkindness  to  those  that  know  Thee, 

And  Thy  righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart  / 

11  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  overtake  me, 

Nor  the  hand  of  the  wicked  drive  me  away ! 

12  There  have  the  workers  of  iniquity  fallen  ; 

They  are  thrust  down,  and  are  not  able  to  rise ! 


THIRTY-SEVENTH 

[by  DAVID.] 

E  not  enraged  at  evil  doers, 

Nor  jealous  against  the  unrighteous : 
2   For  like  the  grass  they  are  soon  cut  down, 
And  like  the  green  herb  they  wither  away. 


3  Trust  in  Jehovah  and  do  good  ; 

Abide  in  the  land  and  enjoy  His  faithful  care. 

4  Seek  thy  pleasure  in  Jehovah, 

And  He  will  give  thee  thy  heart's  desire. 

5  Commit  thy  way  unto  Jehovah  ; 

Trust  in  Him,  and  He  will  bring  it  to  pass  ; 

6  He  will  bring  forth  thy  righteousness  as  the  light, 

Thine  uprightness  as  the  noonday. 

SI 


7  Stay  thee  in  Jehovah,  and  hold  to  Him  firmly; 
Rage  not  against  him  who  prospereth  in  his  way, 

The  man  that  succeedeth  in  his  evil  devices. 

8  Cease  from  anger,  and  have  done  with  wrath ; 

Rage  not,  thus  only  doing  evil : 

9  For  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  off ; 

But  those  that  wait  for  Jehovah  shall  possess  the 
land. 

10  Yet  a  little  while,  and  the  wicked  shall  be  no  more  ; 

Thou  shalt  observe  his  place,  and  he  is  gone  ; 

1 1  But  the  lowly  in  spirit  shall  possess  the  land. 

And  delight  in  abundafit  blessing. 

12  The  wicked  man  plotteth  against  the  righteous, 

And  he  gnasheth  his  teeth  at  them. 
I  3  The  Lord  hath  him  in  derision  ; 

For  He  seeth  that  his  day  is  coming. 

14     The  wicked  draw  the  sword,  and  bend  the  bow, 
To  bring  down  the  suffering  and  needy, 

And  to  slay  those  whose  way  is  upright. 
I  5     Their  sword  shall  enter  into  their  own  heart, 

And  their  bows  shall  be  shivered. 

16     Better  is  a  little  that  a  righteous  man  hath, 
Than  the  abundance  of  many  wicked  : 

I  7     For  the  arms  of  the  wicked  shall  be  shattered, 
But  Jehovah  upholdeth  the  righteous. 

18  Jehovah  careth  for  the  days  of  the  upright; 

And  their  inheritance  shall  endure  for  ever  : 

19  They  shall  not  come  to  shame  in  the  time  of  evil, 

And  in  the  days  of  famine  they  shall  be  filled- 

52 


20  But  the  wicked  shall  perish  ; 

Yea,  the  enemies  of  Jehovah 

Are  like  the  glory  of  the  meadows; 
They  vanish  away,  like  smoke  they  vanish  away. 

21  The  wicked  shall  borrow  and  not  repay. 

But  the  righteous  show  kindness  and  give: 

22  For  those  whom  God  blesseth  shall  possess  the  land, 

And  those  He  curseth  shall  be  cut  off. 

23  By  Jehovah  a  man's  steps  are  established, 

And  He  hath  pleasure  in  his  way  ; 

24  Though  he  fall  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down. 

For  Jehovah  holdeth  him  fast  by  the  hand. 

25  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  I  old  ; 
Yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken, 

Nor  his  offspring  begging  for  bread. 

26  All  the  day  long  he  showeth  kindness  and  lendeth, 

And  his  offspring  are  blessed, 

27  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good. 

So  shalt  thou  abide  for  evermore. 

28  For  Jehovah  delighteth  in  justice. 

And  He  forsaketh  not  His  beloved; 
For  ever  they  shall  be  preserved  : 
But  the  offspring  of  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 

29  The  righteous  shall  inherit  the  land. 

And  they  shall  dwell  therein  for  ever. 

30  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  uttereth  wisdom, 

And  his  tongue  speaketh  justice. 

31  The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his  heart, 

And  his  footsteps  falter  not. 

53 


32  The  wicked  lie  in  wait  for  the  righteous, 

And  are  seeking  to  slay  him. 

33  Jehovah  will  not  leave  him  in  their  hand, 

Nor  will  he  condemn  him  when  he  is  judged. 

34  Wait  for  Jehovah  and  keep  thou  His  way. 

And  He  will  exalt  thee  to  possess  the  land : 
When  the  wicked  are  cut  off,  thou  shalt  see  it. 

35  I  have  seen  a  wicked  man,  great  and  terrible, 

Spreading  like  a  thrifty  tree  in  its  own  soil : 
2,6     But  he  passed  on,  and,  lo,  he  was  gone  ; 

I  sought  him,  but  he  could  not  be  found. 

37  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright. 

That  there  is  a  future  to  the  man  of  peace: 

38  But  the  transgressors  shall  all  be  cut  off ; 

The  future  of  the  wicked  is  destroyed. 

39  The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  from  Jehovah ; 

He  is  their  stronghold  in  times  of  distress : 

40  Jehovah  helpeth  and  delivereth  them  ; 

He   delivereth   them    from   the   wicked   and  saveth 
them. 
Because  they  have  taken  refuge  in  Him. 


THIRTY-EIGHTH 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID  ;   TO  BRING  TO  REMEMBRANCE.] 

Jehovah!  punish  me  not  in  Thy  wrath, 

Nor  correct  me  in  Thy  hot  displeasure 
2  For  Thine  arrows  are  thrust  into  me ; 
Thy  hand  thrusteth  me  down. 

S4 


3  For  there  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh, 

Because  of  Thine  indignation  ; 
There  is  no  health  in  my  bones, 
By  reason  of  my  sin. 

4  For  mine  iniquities  pass  over  my  head  ; 

They  are  like  a  heavy  burden,  more  than  I  can  bear. 

5  My  stripes  are  become  loathsome  and  corrupt, 

Because  of  my  foolishness : 

6  I  writhe  ;  I  am  depressed  exceedingly ; 

I  go  mourning  all  the  day  long. 

7  For  my  loins  are  full  of  burning; 

There  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh  : 

8  I  am  benumbed  and  sore  bruised  ; 

I  groan  in  the  disquiet  of  my  heart. 

9  Lord,  before  Thee  is  all  my  longing. 

And  my  sighs  are  not  hid  from  Thee  ! 

10  My  heart  fluttereth,  my  strength  forsaketh  me  ; 

The  light  of  mine  eyes — even  this  hath  left  me. 

11  My  lovers  and  my  friends  hold  aloof  from  my  woe, 

And  my  kinsmen  stand  afar  off. 

12  Those  that  seek  after  my  life  lay  snares  ; 

Bent  on  my  ruin,  they  speak  deadly  words : 
They  utter  falsehoods  all  the  day  long. 

13  But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  will  hear  nothing ; 

I  will  be  like  a  dumb  man,  that  openeth  not  his 
mouth : 

14  Yda,  I  am  become  as  one  that  heareth  not, 

And  in  whose  mouth  there  are  no  replies. 

55 


15  Because  for  Thee,  O  Jehovah,  I  wait; 

Thou  wilt  answer  me,  O  Lord,  my  God ! 

1 6  For  I  have  prayed  :  "  Let  them  not  rejoice  over  me ; 
When  my  foot  faltereth, 

Let  them  not  swell  proudly  against  me." 

ly     For  I  am  ready  to  fall ; 

It  is  a  grief  that  is  ever  before  me : 
i8     Yea,  I  confess  mine  iniquity  ; 

I  am  troubled  because  of  my  sin. 

19  For  they  are  increased  that  hate  me  without  cause, 

Yea,  many  are  mine  enemies  wrongfully  : 

20  They  repay  good  with  evil ; 
They  set  themselves  against  me 

Because  I  press  onward  in  good. 

21  Forsake  me  not,  O  Jehovah  ! 

O  my  God,  be  not  far  from  me ! 

22  Haste  Thee  to  help  me, 

O  Lord,  my  salvation  ! 


THIRTY-NINTH 

[for  the  chief  musician  ;    for  JEDUTHUN.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

said,  "  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways, 

That  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue  ; 
I  will  keep  a  curb  for  my  mouth, 
While  the  wicked  are  before  me." 

2     I  became  dumb,  saying  not  a  word  • 

I  was  silent,  holding  off  from  relief ; 
And  my  sorrow  was  stirred, 

56 


3  Thus  my  heart  became  hot  within  me, 

And  in  my  grieving  a  fire  kindled  ; 
Then  spake  I  with  my  tongue :  » 

4  Teach  me,  O  Jehovah  !  mine  end. 

And  what  is  the  measure  of  my  days : 
For  I  would  know  how  frail  I  am. 

5  Lo  !  the  days  Thou  givest  me  are  handbreadths, 

And  m)-  lifetime  is  nothing  before  Thee  ; 
Only  a  breath  is  all  mankind, 

Even  when  firmly  standing.     [Selah.] 

6  Only  for  a  shadow  one  goeth  about ; 

Only  for  a  breath  is  he  in  turmoil : 
He  gathereth,  but  knoweth  not  who  shall  enjoy. 

7  For  what,  then,  do  I  wait,  O  Lord  ! 

My  expectation  is  from  Thee. 

8  From  all  my  transgressions  deliver  me  ; 

Make  me  not  the  scorn  of  the  profane. 

9  I  am  dumb  ;   I  open  not  my  mouth  ; 

Because  it  is  Thou  that  doest  it. 

10  Take  away  from  me  Thy  stroke ; 

By  the  blow  of  Thy  hand  I  perish. 

1 1  When  Thou  scourgest  one  in  punishment  for  sin, 
Thou  consumest  as  a  moth  his  delights; 

All  men  are  only  a  breath.     [Selah.] 

12  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Give  ear  to  my  cry  for  help ; 
At  my  weeping  be  not  silent : 
For  I  am  a  guest  with  Thee, 

A  sojourner  as  all  my  fathers  were. 

13  Turn  from  me  Thine  anger  and  scatter  my  gloom. 

Before  I  go  hence  and  be  no  more  ! 

57 


FORTIETH 

fi'oK  Mir.  cmr.K  miisuian.     nv  david.     a  I'SALM.J 

waited      waited   for  J  eliovali, 
And    II  I'.  iiK  lined   to  nic, 

And  heard  my  cry  for  help; 

2  Jlc:  lifted  nie  out   of  the  \)\{  of  deslruclioil, 

( )iil  of  the  miry  clay  ; 
And  set  my  feet  on  a  cliff, 

Makinj^  my  footstejjs  firm  : 

3  And  lie  ])nt  into  my  mouth  a  new  song, 

A  hymn  of  praise  to  our  (lod: 
Many  l^chold,  and  stand  in  aw(;, 

And  put  their  trust  in  Jehovah. 


4  O  tlie  blessedness  of  the  man 

Who  maketh  Jehovah  his  trust, 
And  who  resorteth  not  to  the  proud, 
Nor  to  lyini;  apostates! 

5  Many,  Jehovah,  my  (iod  !  are  the  wonders  I'hou  hast 

vvrou^dit, 
And  many  are  Thy  thoughts  for  us: 
O  Tiiou  with  whom  none  can  compare  ! 
1  would  declare  and  speak  them, 

J5ut  they  are  more  than  can  he  told! 


6  Sacrifice  and  oblation  Thou  desircst  not, 

I')ut  mini;  ears  hast  Thou  oi)ened  ;     . 
lUnnt-offerini.;  and  sin-offering  Thou  dost  not  ask. 

7  Then   I  said,   "  Lo  !    I  come, 

With  the  roll  of  the  book  written  for  me! 
S      To  do  Thy  |)leasure,  ()  (iod  !  is  my  delight. 

And  'I'hy  law  is  in  my  inmost  heart." 

5H 


9     I  broLu^ht  ^lad  news  of  ritj^htcousncss 
Into  the  j^reat  assembly; 
Lo !   my  lips  I  did  not  close, 

Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  knowcst  : 

10  Thy  righteousness  I  hid  not  in  my  heart, 

JUit  Th}'  faithful,  saving  l)()\ver  1  proclaimed  ; 
I  concealed  not  Thy' lovingkindness  and  Thy  truth 
From  the  great  assembly, 

1 1  Thou,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Shut  not  up  Thy  mercies  from  me  ; 
Let  Thy  lovingkindness  and  Thy  truth  ever  guard  mc. 

12  For  evils  beset  me  till  they  are  countless  ; 

My  sins  overtake  me,  and  I  cannot  see; 
They  are  more  in  number  than  the  hairs  of  my  head, 
And  my  heart  hath  forsaken  me. 

13  Be  pleased,  O  Jehovah,  to  deliver  me  ! 

O  Jehovah,  to  my  help  hasten  ! 

14  Let  those  alike  be  put  to  shame  and  confounded, 

That  seek  after  my  life  to  destroy  it ; 
Let  those  draw  back  in  disgrace, 

That  delight  to  harm  me. 

15  Let  those  be  struck  dumb  through  their  shame, 

That  say  to  me  "  Aha !  Aha  !  " 

16  But  let  all  that  seek  after  Thee 

Rejoice  and  be  glad  in  Thee ; 
Let  those  that  love  Thy  salvation  ever  say, 
"  Jehovah  be  magnified  !  " 

17  And  I— suffering  and  needy — 

The  Lord  taketh  thought  for  me  ; 
Thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliverer; 
O  my  God,  delay  not ! 

59 


FORTY-FIRST 

[for   the    chief    musician.       a   psalm    of    DAVID.] 

OW  blest  is  he  that  taketh  thought  for  the  feeble  ; 

Jehovah  deliver  him  in  the  evil  day  : 
2     Jehovah  guard  him,  and  let  him  live, 
That  he  may  be  happy  in  the  earth ; 
And  give  him  not  up  to  his  foes'  desire : 

3  Jehovah  sustain  him  on  his  couch  of  languishing; 

When  he  lieth  in  sickness  Thou  wilt  change  it  all ! 

4  For  myself  I  say  :  O  Jehovah,  pity  me  ! 

Heal  me,  though  I  have  sinned  against  Thee. 

5  Mine  enemies  say  of  me  in  malice  : 

"  When  will  he  die  and  his  name  perish  ?  " 

6  If  one  come  to  see  me,  he  speaketh  falsehood  ; 

His  heart  gathereth  a  slander  ; 
When  he  goeth  abroad  he  telleth  it. 

7  United  against  me,  all  my  foes  are  whispering ; 

They  lay  charges  against  me  of  evil  : 

8  "A  base  deed  is  visited  upon  him  : 

From  the  place  where  he  lieth  he  shall  rise  no  more." 

9  Yea,  my  trusted  friend,  who  hath  eaten  my  bread, 

Hath  lifteth  his  heel  against  me. 

10  But  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  pity  and  restore  me. 

That  I  may  render  unto  them  their  desert ; 

1 1  By  this  would  I  know  that  Thou  favourest  me. 

That  no  cry  of  joy  shall  be  heard  from  my  foes. 

12  And  as  for  me,  in  mine  integrity  wilt  Thou  uphold  me  ; 

Thou  wilt  set  me  before  Thy  face  for  ever. 

13  Blessed  le  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel, 
Through  everlasting  ages  !  Amen  and  Amen  I 

60 


BOOK   II. 


FORTY-SECOND 


[for  the  chief  musician,     a  maskil,  by  the  sons  of  korah.] 

S  the  hart  pantcth  after  the  water  brooks, 
So  panteth  my  soul  after  Thee,  O  God  ! 
2      My  soul  thirsteth  for  God, 

For  the  Mighty  One  that  liveth  : 
When  may  I  go  in.  and  appear  before  God  ? 
My  tears  have  become  my  food  day  and  night, 
While  they  say  to  me  all  the  day  long, 
"  Where  is  thy  God  ?  " 

This  will  I  call  to  mind,  and  will  pour  out  my  soul 

within  me  ; 
How  I  passed  on  with  the  throng,  leading  them 

slowly  to  the  house  of  God, 
A  multitude   keeping   holy  day,  with  the  voice  of 

joyful  song  and  praise. 

Why  bowest  thou  down,  my  soul  ! 

And  \vhy  moanest  thou  within  me  ? 
Wait  thou  for  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him 

Whose  presence  is  salvation — O  my  God  ! 

6i 


6      O  my  God  !  my  soul  boweth  down  within  me  : 
Therefore  will  I  call  Thee  to  mind 

In  the  country  of  the  Jordan, 
Among  the  Hermons,  on  Mount  Mizar. 
7,     Surge  calleth  unto  surge 

At  the  sound  of  Thy  falling  waters ; 
All  Thy  waves  and  Thy  billows  have  gone  over  me  I 

8  Yet  by  day  will  Jehovah  command  His  lovingkindness; 
And  in  the  night  a  song  shall  be  with  me, 

A  prayer  to  the  God  of  my  life. 

9  I  will  say  unto  God  my  refuge, 

"  Why  hast  Thou  forgotten  me  ? 
Why  go  I  mourning  through  the  pressure  of  the  foe  '  ' 

10  As  if  crushing  my  bones,  mine  enemies  scoff  at  me; 
While  they  say  to  me  all  the  day  long, 

"  Where  is  thy  God  ?  " 

1 1  Why  bowest  thou  down,  my  soul  ! 

And  why  moanest  thou  within  me  ? 
Wait  thou  for  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him. 
Whose  presence  is  salvation — O  my  God  ! 

FORTY-THIRD 

IVE  me  justice,  O  God  ! 

Defend  my  right  from  a  cruel  nation  ; 
From  the  deceitful  and  wicked  deliver  me. 
For  Thou  art  my  protecting  God  ; 

Why  dost  Thou  spurn  me? 
Why  go  I  mourning  through  the  pressure  of  the  foe? 

Send  forth  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth ; 

Let  them  lead  me : 
Let  them  bring  me  to  Thy  holy  hill. 

And  to  Thy  tabernacles. 

62 


4  That  I  may  come  to  the  altar  of  God, 

Unto  God  my  joy  of  joys  ; 
And  that  I  may  praise  Thee  upon  the  harp, 
O  God,  mine  own  God ! 

5  Why  bowest  thou  down,  my  soul  ! 

And  why  moanest  thou  within  me? 
Wait  thou  for  God,  for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him, 
Whose  presence  is  salvation — O  my  God  ! 


FORTY-FOURTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,      by  the  sons  of  korah.     a  maskil.] 

GOD  !  with  our  ears  we  have  heard, 
Our  fathers  have  told  us, 

The  works  that  Thou  didst  in  their  days, 
In  the  days  of  old  : 

2  By  Thine  own  hand  the  heathen  were  dispossessed. 

And  themselves  were  planted  in  ; 
By  Thee  the  nations  were  broken  up, 

But  their  own  borders  enlarged. 

3  For  not  by  their  sword  did  they  gain  the  land. 

Nor  did  their  arm  give  them  victory ; 
But  Thy  right  hand,  and  Thine  arm,  and  the  light  of 
Thy  presence  ; 
For  Thou  didst  take  pleasure  in  them. 

4  Thou,  even  Thou,  art  my  King,  O  God ! 

Command  Thou  victories  for  Jacob  ; 

5  Through  Thee  may  we  push  down  our  foes ; 

In  Thy  Name  may  we  stamp  upon  our  assailants. 

63 


6  For  not  in  my  bow  do  I  trust, 

Nor  can  my  sword  give  me  victory  ; 

7  But  Thou  didst  save  us  from  our  oppressors, 

And  by  Thee  were  our  foes  put  to  shame ; 

8  In  God  we  triumphed  all  the  day  long, 

And  Thy  Name  will  we  praise  for  ever.      [Selah.] 

9  Yet  Thou  hast  cast  us  off  in  dishonour, 

And  Thou  goest  not  forth  with  our  hosts. 

10  Thou  makest  us  turn  back  from  the  foe. 

And  those  that  hate  us  take  us  as  their  spoil. 

1 1  Thou  hast  given  us  like  sheep  for  food, 

And  among  the  nations  Thou  hast  scattered  us. 

12  Thou  sellest  Thy  people  for  nought, 

And  hast  not  gained  wealth  by  their  price. 

13  Thou  dost  make  us  a  scorn  to  our  neighbours, 

A  scoff  and  a  jeer  to  those  round  about  us  ; 

14  Thou  dost  make  us  a  byword  among  the  heathen  ; 

The  Gentiles  toss  their  head  in  contempt. 

15  All  the  day  long  my  disgrace  is  before  me. 

And  the  shame  of  my  face  covereth  me  ; 

16  At  the  voice  of  the  reviler  and  blasphemer  , 

At  the  presence  of  the  hating  and  revengeful. 

17  All  this  hath  come  to  us, 

Yet  have  we  not  forgotten  Thee , 
Nor  have  we  been  false  to  Thy  covenant. 

18  Our  heart  hath  not  drawn  back  from  Thee, 

Nor  have  our  steps  swerved  from  Thy  path  ; 

19  That  Thou  shouldst  crush  us  in  the  place  of  jackals, 

And  cover  us  with  the  shadow  of  death. 

20  If  we  had  forgotten  the  Name  of  our  God, 

And  spread  forth  our  hands  to  an  alien  Power, 

64 


21  Would  not  God  have  searched  this  out? 

For  He  knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart. 

22  Nay,  but  for  Thy  sake  we  are  shiin  all  the  day  long 

We  are  accounted  as  sheep  for  the  slaughter. 

23  Awake!  why  sleepest  Thou,  O  Lord? 

Arouse  Thee  !  spurn  us  not  for  ever ! 

24  Wherefore  shouldst  Thou  hide  from  us  Thy  face, 

Forgetting  our  suffering  and  oppression  ? 

25  For  our  soul  is  bowed  down  to  the  dust; 

And  our  body  cleaveth  to  the  earth. 
2(b     Oh  arise  !  become  a  help  for  us  ! 

Redeem  us  for  Thy  lovingkindness'  sake ! 


FORTY-FIFTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,     set  to  "  shoshannim."    by  the  sons  of 
korah.     a  maskil.     a  song.] 

Y  heart  overfloweth  with  goodly  words, 

When  I  say  that  my  work  is  for  a  king ; 
My  tongue  is  the  pen  of  a  swift  writer. 

2  Thou  art  fairer  far  than  the  sons  of  men ; 

Grace  is  poured  on  thy  lips : 
Therefore  God  will  bless  thee  for  ever! 

3  Gird  thy  sword  on  thy  thigh,  O  Champion ! 

With  thy  renown  and  thy  splendour! 

4  In  thy  splendour  ride  on  to  victory. 

In  behalf  of  truth,  and  of  lowly  righteousness. 
And  let  thy  right  hand  guide  thee  to  fearful  deeds ! 

5  Thine  arrows  are  sharp — nations  fall  under  thee — 
Sharp  thine  arrows  in  the  heart  of  the  king's  foes ! 

65 


6  Thy  throne,  O  God  !  is  for  ever  and  ahvay  ; 

And  a  sceptre  of  justice  thy  sceptre  of  rule  : 

7  Righteousness  Thou  lovest,  and  hatest  iniquity  ; 
Therefore  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above  thy  fellows, 

God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee. 

8  All  thy  garments  are  myrrh  and  cuttings  of  the  fra- 

grant palm  ; 
Out  of  the  ivory  palaces  harp  strains  rejoice  thee : 

9  Daughters  of  kings  are  among  thy  treasures  ; 

And  at  thy  right  hand  the  Queen  hath  her  place, 
arrayed  in  the  gold  of  Ophir. 

10  Hear,  O  daughter,  and  see  ;  yea,  incline  thine  ear  ; 

Forget  thy  people  and  thy  father's  house  : 

1 1  That  the  king  may  have  joy  in  thy  beauty  ! 

For  he  is  thy  lord,  and  worship  thou  him  ! 

12  And  the  daughter  of  Tyre  shall  win  thy  favour  with 

gifts, 
Even  the  rich  among  the  people. 

13  All  glorious  is  the  royal  maiden  in  her  apartments. 

Her  raiment  inwoven  with  gold  !  ♦ 

14  On  broidered  tapestries  she  is  led  forth  to  the  king, 
With  her  virgin  companions  in  her  train  ; 

They  are  brought  into  thy  presence  ; 

15  They  are  led  with  gladness  and  rejoicing — 

They  enter  into  the  palace  of  the  king. 

16  Instead  of  thy  fathers  shall  be  thy  sons. 

Whom  thou  wilt  make  princes  in  all  the  earth. 

17  I  will  celebrate  thy  name  to  all  generations  ; 
Therefore  shall  the  nations  praise  thee. 

For  ever  and  alway  ! 


66 


FORTY-SIXTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,      by  the  sons  of  korah.      upon  alamoth. 

A  song.] 

|0D  is  on  our  side,  a  refuge  and  fortress; 

A  help  in  distress,  to  be  found  without  fail. 
2  Therefore    we    fear    not    when    the    earth    is 
changed, 
The  mountains  overthrown  in  the  heart  of  the  seas; 

3  Let  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  foam  ; 

Let  the  mountains  quake  with  their  swelhng  I 

[Selah.J 

4  A  river  floweth,  whose  streams  make  glad  the  city  of 

God, 
In  the  holy  tabernacle  of  the  Most  High  ! 

5  God  is  in  her  midst ;  she  cannot  be  overthrown  ; 

God  helpeth  her  at  the  earliest  dawn. 

6  The  nations  roared,  kingdoms  were  overthrown  ; 

When  He  uttered  His  voice,  the  earth  melted. 

7  Jehovah  of  Hosts  is  with  us; 

The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  defence.     [Selah.] 

8  Come,  behold  what  Jehovah  hath  done, 

What  desert  silence  He  hath  brought  on  the  earth  ; 

9  He  stilleth  wars  to  the  earth's  bounds ; 

He  shivereth  the  bow,  and  breaketh  the  spear; 
The  chariots  He  burneth  with  fire. 

10  Cease  ye,  and  know  that  I  am  God  ; 
I  will  be  exalted  among  the  nations, 

I  will  be  exalted  in  the  earth. 

11  Jehovah  of  Hosts  is  with  us; 

The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  defence.     [Selah.] 

67 


FORTY-SEVENTH 


[for  the  chief  musician,     by  the  sons  of  korah.     a  psalm.] 

LL  ye  nations,  clap  your  hands  ! 

Shout  unto  God,  with  the  voice  of  triumph  : 
2  For  Jehovah,  the  Most  High,  is  to  be  feared 
He  is  the  great  King  over  all  the  earth  ! 

3  He  subdueth  nations  under  us. 

And  kingdoms  under  our  feet. 

4  He  chooseth  for  us  our  inheritance, 

The  pride  of  Jacob  whom  He  loved.     [Selah.] 

5  God  hath  ascended  amid  shoutings  ; 

Jehovah  with  a  trumpet  sound. 

6  Strike  the  harp  unto  God,  strike  the  harp  ! 

Strike  the  harp  to  our  King,  strike  the  harp ! 

7  For  God  is  King  over  all  the  earth  ; 

Strike  the  harp  with  a  song  of  praise  ! 


God  reigneth  over  the  nations ; 

God  sitteth  King  upon  His  holy  throne; 
The  nobles  of  the  nations  are  assembled, 

To  be  the  people  of  Abraham's  God  : 
For  unto  God  belong  the  shields  of  the  earth ; 
He  is  supremely  exalted  ! 

FORTY-EIGHTH 

[a  song,     a  psalm  by  the  sons  of  korah.] 
REAT  is  Jehovah,  most  worthy  to  be  praised, 

In  the  city  of  our  God,  in  His  holy  mountain. 
2  A  beautiful  height,  a  joy  to  the  whole  earth, 
Is  Mount  Zion  at  the  farthest  north. 
The  city  of  the  great  king ; 
3     God  in  her  castles  is  known  as  a  defence. 

68 


4  For,  lo,  the  kings  assembled — 

Then  passed  away  together. 

5  When  they  saw,  then  were  they  amazed — 

Were  terrifictl — were  put  to  flight. 

6  Trembling  seized  them  there, 

Writhing,  as  of  one  in  travail ; 

7  As  if  stricken  by  the  east  wind. 

That  shattereth  the  ships  of  Tarshish. 

8  As  we  had  heard,  so  have  we  seen, 

In  the  city  of  Jehovah  of  Hosts, 
In  the  city  of  our  God  ; 
God  will  establish  it  for  ever.     [Selah.] 

9  We  have  thought,  O  God  !  of  Thy  lovingkindness 

In  the  midst  of  Thy  royal  dwelling : 

10  As  Thy  Name,  O  God  !  so  Thy  praise 

Extendeth  to  the  bounds  of  the  earth : 
Th\-  right  hand  is  full  of  righteousness ! 

1 1  Let  Mount  Zion  be  glad, 

Let  the  daughters  of  Judah  rejoice. 

Because  of  Thy  righteous  deeds. 

• 

12  Walk  about  Zion  and  encompass  her; 

Number  her  towers ; 

13  Mark  ye  well  her  rampart; 

Note  thoughtfully  her  fortresses  ; 
That  ye  may  tell  the  generation  following, 

14  That  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  alway ; 

It  is  He  that  will  guide  us  evermore. 


69 


FORTY-NINTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,     ky  the  sons  of  korah.     a  psalm] 

I  EAR  this,  all  ye  nations  ; 

Give  ear,  all  inhabitants  of  the  world  : 
2  Both  low  born  and  high, 

Alike  the  rich  and  the  poor ! 

3  My  mouth  speaketh  wisdom  ; 

The  utterance  of  my  heart  is  discernment: 

4  I  incline  mine  ear  to  a  parable  ; 

I  disclose  my  hidden  thought  upon  the  harp. 

5  Why  shall  I  fear  in  the  days  of  evil, 

When  my  wicked  supplanters  surround  me  ? 

6  They  that  trust  in  their  riches, 

And  glory  in  their  abounding  wealth, 

7  None  of  them  can  at  all  redeem  a  brother, 

Nor  give  to  God  a  ransom  for  him  : 

8  For  too  costly  is  the  purchase  of  their  life , 

And  it  hath  passed  away  for  ever 

9  That  a  man  should  continue  to  live  alway, 

And  never  be  consumed  in  the  grave. 

10  For  one  seeth  that  wise  men  die  , 

The  fool  and  the  brutish  alike  perish  , 
And  they  leave  their  wealth  for  others. 

11  In  their  thought  their  houses  are  for  ever, 

Their  dwellings  for  many  generations  ; 
They  call  their  lands  after  their  own  names. 

12  But  man  that  is  in  honour  abideth  not ; 

He  is  like  the  beasts  that  perish. 

13  In  this  their  way  they  have  confidence, 

And  those  that  follow  applaud  their  sayings. 

[Selah.] 

70 


14  Like  sheep  are  they  put  in  the  underworld,  Death  is 

their  shepherd, 
And  the  upright  triumph  over  them  in  the  morning  ; 
Their  form  must  be  consumed  in  the  underworld, 
that  it  have  no  place  of  abode. 

15  But  God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the  power  of  death. 

For  He  will  receive  me.  |Selah.| 

16  Fear  not  when  a  man  becometh  rich  , 

When  the  glory  of  his  house  increaseth  ; 

17  For  when  he  dieth  he  can  take  nothing  away; 

His  glory  descendeth  not  after  him. 

18  As  for  his  soul,  which  he  blesseth  while  living, 

— And  others  will  praise  thee,  when  thou  doest 
well  for  thyself — 

19  It  goeth  to  the  dwelling-place  of  his  fathers  ; 

Nevermore  shall  they  behold  the  light. 

20  Man  that  is  in  honour,  and  understandeth  not, 

Is  like  the  beasts  that  perish  ! 


FIFTIETH  0 

[a  psalm.      by  ASAPH.] 

OD,  the  Mighty  God,  Jehovah, 

Speaketh  and  calleth  the  earth, 
From  the  rising  to  the  setting  of  the  sun. 
_:     Out  of  Zion,  the  perfect  in  beauty,  God  shineth  ! 

3  Our  God  Cometh,  and  keepeth  not  silence  ; 
Before  Him  is  a  devouring  fire, 

And  around  Him  a  raging  tempest! 

4  He  summoneth  the  heavens  on  high. 

And  the  earth,  to  the  judgment  of  His  people; 

71 


5  "  Gather  unto  me  My  favoured  ones, 

That  have  covenanted  with  Me  by  sacrifice ! " 

6  And  the  heavens  proclaim  His  righteousness  ; 

For  it  is  God  that  sitteth  as  Judge.         [Selah.] 

7  "  Hear,  O  My  people,  and  I  will  speak  ; 
O  Israel,  I  will  testify  against  thee — 

I,  that  am  God,  thine  own  God ! 

8  Not  for  thy  sacrifices  will  I  reprove  thee ; 

For  thy  burnt  offerings  are  ever  before  Me ; 

9  I  will  take  no  bullock  out  of  thy  house, 

Nor  any  he-goats  out  of  thy  folds ; 

10  For  Mine  is  every  beast  of  the  forest, 

And  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills. 

1 1  I  know  every  bird  of  the  mountains, 

And  the  brood  of  the  meadows  is  with  Me. 

12  Should  I  hunger,  I  would  not  tell  thee, 

For  Mine  is  the  world  with  its  fulness. 

13  Do  I  eat  the  flesh  of  bullocks. 

And  do  I  drink  the  blood  of  goats? 

14  But  sacrifice  unto  God  thanksgiving, 

Afid  pay  unto  the  Highest  thy  vows  ; 

1 5  Then  call  upon  Me  in  the  day  of  distress  ; 

I  will  deliver  thee,  as  one  that  honoureth  Me." 

16  But  to  the  wicked  God  saith : 

"  What  hast  thou  to  do  to  declare  My  statutes, 
And  to  take  My  covenant  in  thy  mouth — 

17  Thou,  that  hast  hated  instruction. 

And  hast  cast  My  words  behind  thee? 

18  When  thou  seest  a  thief,  thou  hast  pleasure  in  him, 

And  art  in  fellowship  with  adulterers  ; 

19  Thou  loosest  thy  mouth  in  wickedness, 

And  thy  tongue  frameth  deceit ; 

72 


20     Thou  sittest  speaking  against  thy  brother  ; 
Yea,  thou  slandcrest  th)-  mother's  son. 

2  1   "Thus  hast  thou  done,  and  I  was  silent  ; 

Thou  thouglitest  I  was  surely  like  thee  ; 
I  accuse  thee  and  array  it  before  thine  eyes. 
12     Oh  consider  this,  ye  that  forget  God  ! 

Lest  I  rend,  and  there  be  none  to  rescue. 
23     He  that  offereth  praise,  honoureth  Me; 
And  he  prepareth  the  way. 

That  I  may  show  him  the  salvation  of  God. 


FIFTY-FIRST 

[for    the    chief    musician.         a    psalm    of    DAVID,    WHEN    NATHAN    THE 
I'KOI'HET  CAME  TO  HIM,  AFTER  HE  HAD  GONE  IN  TO  BATHSHEBA.] 

E  gracious  unto  me,  O  God  !  according  to  Thy 
lovingkindness  ; 
According  to  Thy  great   compassion,  blot  out 
my  transgressions. 

2  Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity  ; 

Yea,  cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 

3  For  m)'  transgressions  I  know, 

And  my  sin  is  ever  before  me. 

4  Against  Thee,  Thee  only,  have  I  sinned, 

And  have  done  this  evil  in  Thy  sight  , 
That  Thou  mayest  be  just  when  Thou  speakest, 
And  be  clear  when  Thou  judgest. 

5  Lo,  in  iniquity  was  I  born. 

And  in  sin  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

6  Lo,  truth  Thou  desirest  in  the  inmost  parts. 

And  deep  within  Thou  instructest  me  in  wisdom. 

73 


7  Purify  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean  , 

Wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow. 

8  Proclaim  unto  me  joy  and  gladness, 

That  the  bones  Thou  hast  crushed  may  rejoice. 

9  Oh  hide  Thou  Thy  face  from  my  sins, 

And  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities. 

[O     A  pure  heart  create  for  me,  O  God  ! 

A  steadfast  spirit  renew  within  me. 

1 1  Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  presence, 

And  Thy  Holy  Spirit  take  not  from  me. 

12  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  Thy  salvation, 

And  with  a  willing  spirit  uphold  me. 

13  Then  will  I  teach  transgressors  Thy  way, 

And  sinners  shall  return  unto  Thee. 

14  Deliver  me  from  bloodguiltiness,  O  God, 

Thou  God  of  my  salvation  ! 
That  my  tongue  may  exult  in  Thy  righteousness. 

15  O  Lord  !  open  Thou  my  lips, 

And  my  mouth  shall  declare  Thy  praise  ; 

16  For  Thou  delightest  not  in  sacrifice. 

Else  would  I  give  it ; 
In  offering  by  fire  Thou  hast,,no  pleasure  : 

17  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit ; 

A  heart  broken  and  contrite,  O  God  !  Thou  wilt 
not  despise. 

18  Do  good  in  Thy  pleasure  unto  Zion ; 

Build  Thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

19  Then  wilt  Thou  delight  in  sacrifices  of  righteousness, 

In  burnt  offering  and  whole  burnt  offering ; 
Then  shall  they  offer  bullocks  upon  Thine  altar. 

74 


FIFTY-SECOND 

[for  the  chief  musician.  a  MASKIL  of  DAVID  ;  WHEN  DOEG  THE 
EDOMITE  CAME  AND  TOLD  SAUL,  AND  SAID  TO  HIM,  "  DAVID  IS  COME 
TO  THE  HOUSE  OF  AHIMELECH."] 

HY,  O  \^aliant  I  wilt  thou  glory  in  evil? 
The    lovingkindness   of   the   Almighty    shall 
endure  through  all  time. 

2  Tin-  tongue  deviseth  plans  of  destruction  ; 

It  is  like  a  whetted  razor,  O  worker  of  guile  ! 

3  Thou  lovest  injur)-  rather  than  kindness, 

Falsehood  more  than  righteous  speaking.     [Selah.] 

4  Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words, 

O  thou  of  deceitful  tongue  ! 

5  Tlie  Almighty  will  likewise  destroy  thee  for  ever ; 
He  will  seize  thee,  and  pluck  thee  from  thy  tent. 

And  uproot  thee  from  the  land  of  the  living. 

[Selah.] 

6  When  the  righteous  see  it,  they  shall  fear  ; 

And  they  shall  laugh  at  him  : 

7  "  Lo,  there  is  the  man  that  made  not  God  his  refuge ; 
But  trusted  in  his  abundant  wealth, 

And  was  strong  in  his  wickedness!  " 

8  But   as  for  me,  I   am  like  a  green   olive  tree  in  the 

house  of  God  ; 
For  ever  and  alway  in  God's  love  will  I  trust. 
p     I  will  praise  Thee  for  ever,  for  what  Thou  hast  done  ; 
1  will  wait  for  Thy  Name — because  it  is  gracious — 
In  the  presence  of  those  whom  Thou  lovest. 


75 


FIFTY-THIRD 

[for  the  chief  musician.      set  to   "  MAHALATH."      A  MASKIL  OF  DAVID.] 


HE  fool  saith  in  his  heart,  "  There  is  no  God  !  " 
They  are  corrupt,  yea,  vile  in  wickedness  ; 
There  is  none  that  doeth  good  ! 


2  Jehovah  looketh  forth  from  heaven  on  the  sons  of  men, 
To  see  whether  any  are  wise, 

Whether  any  are  seeking  after  God. 

3  They  have  all  fallen  away  ;  all  alike  are  they  evil ; 
There  is  none  that  doeth  good. 

No,  not  one  ! 

4  Have  they  no  understanding,  all  these  doers  of  wrong, 

That  devour  my  people  as  they  eat  bread. 
And  that  call  not  on  Jehovah? 

5  Where  there  was  no  fear,  they  became  sore  afraid  : 
For    it    is    God  that   scattereth   the  bones  of  my  be- 

sieger.^ 
Thou  puttest  them  to  shame,  because  God  abhor- 
reth  them. 

6  Oh  that  salvation  for  Israel  might  come  out  of  Zion! 
When  Jehovah  returneth  to  His  captive  people, 

Let  Jacob  rejoice,  let  Israel  be  glad  ! 


76 


FIFTY-FOURTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,  with  stkingeo  instrtments.  a  maskii. 
of  david,  when  the  zithit^s  came  to  saul  and  said,  "  doth  nol 
david  hide  himself  with  us?"] 

Ciod  !  b\'  Tin'  Name  save  me, 

.And  in   Vhy  power  defend  mc. 
2  O  God  !  liear  m\'  supplication  ; 

Give  ear  to  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

3  For  strani;ers  rise  up  against  me  ; 
The  violent  seek  after  my  life  ; 

They  have  not  set  God  before  them.     [Selah.] 

4  Lo,  God  hath  become  mj'  helper  ; 

The  Lord  sustaineth  me  in  life. 

5  He  will  requite  the  ill-doing  of  my  foes ; 

In  Thy  faithfulness  destroy  them  ! 

6  With  a  gift  of  free  will,  I  will  bring  Thee  sacrifice; 

I  will  praise  Thy  Name  ;  O  Jehovah,  it  is  good  ! 

7  For  He  hath  rescued  me  from  all  my  distress; 

Mine  eye  seeth  the  downfall  of  my  foes. 


FIFTY-FIFTH 


[for    the    CHIEF    MUSICIAN. 


ON    STRINGED     INSTRUMENTS. 
OF  DAVID.] 


A    MASKIL 


IVE  ear,  O  God  !  to  mine  entreaty, 

And  hide  Thee  not  from  rny  supplication. 
2   Oh  regard  me,  and  answer  me ; 

In  my  lament  I  am  driven  about,  and  moan  ; 
3     At  the  voice  of  the  enemy, 

Through  the  pressure  of  the  wicked  ; 
For  they  threaten  me  with  evil, 
And  angrily  assail  me. 


77 


4  My  heart  is  in  anguish  within  me, 

The  terrors  of  death  have  fallen  on  me ; 

5  Fear  and  trembling  have  come  upon  me, 

And  horror  overwhelmeth  me. 

6  And  I  say, 

"  Oh  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove ! 
Then  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  rest : 

7  Lo,  then  would  I  wander  far  off, 

I  would  lodge  in  the  wilderness;     [Selah.] 

8  I  would  haste  me  to  my  safe  retreat, 

From  the  stormy  wind  and  the  tempest." 

9  Consume  them,  O  Lord  !  divide  Thou  their  tongues  ! 

For  I  see  violence  and  strife  in  the  city. 

10  Day  and  night  they  go  their  rounds  on  its  walls; 

Iniquity  and  trouble  are  in  the  midst  of  it. 

11  Yawning  gulfs  are  in  the  midst  thereof; 

Oppression  and  fraud  forsake  not  its  streets. 

12  For  it  is  not  an  enemy  that  revileth  me , 

— Then  I  could  bear  up — • 
Nor  my  foe  that  cometh  proudly  against  me  , 

— Then  would  I  hide  me  from  him — 

13  But  it  is  thou,  a  man  of  my  own  rank. 

My  companion  and  familiar  friend. 

14  We  were  together  in  sweet  fellowship. 

And  went  1;o  God's  house  with  the  festal  throng. 

15  Let  death  come  upon  them  suddenly; 

Let  them  go  down  to  the  underworld  alive ; 
For  the  evil  of  their  dwellings  is  even  in  their  hearts. 

16  But  as  for  me,  I  call  unto  God, 

And  Jehovah  will  save  me  : 

78 


\y     Evening,  morning,  and  noon,  I  grieve  and  moan  ; 
And  Ho  hcarcth  my  voice. 

1 8  He  will  deliver  my  soul  in  peace. 

So  that  none  can  approach  me  ; 
For  many,  man}-  come  against  me. 

19  The  Ahnighty  -will  hear  and  answer  them. 

He  that  sitteth  King  from  of  old —     [Selah.J 
These  that  are  changeless,  and  that  fear  not  God. 

20  He  put  forth  his  hand  against  those  at  peace  with  him  ; 

He  profaned  his  covenant. 

21  Smooth  was  the  buttered  speech  from  his  mouth. 

But  there  was  war  in  his  heart ; 
His  words  were  softer  than  oil, 

Yet  they  \\'ere  as  drawn  swords.  '■, 

22  Cast  thy  burden  upon  Jehovah, 

And  He  will  sustain  thee; 
He  will  never  suffer  the  righteous  to  be  overthrown. 

23  But  Thou.  O  God  !  wilt  bring  down  to  the  abyss  the 

bloodthirsty  and  deceitful  men  ; 
They  shall  perish  ere  the  midst  of  their  days ; 
But  as  for  me,  in  Thee  will  I  trust. 


FIFTY-SIXTH 

[for  the  chief    musician,      set  to    "  jonath  elem-rechokim." 
michtam  of  david,  when  the  philistines  took  him  in  gath.j 

AVE  pity  upon  me,  O  God  ! 

For  man  panteth  for  me  ; 
All  the  day  long  he  fiercely  presseth  me. 
2     ]\Iine  enemies  pant  for  me  all  the  day  long; 
For  many  w^ar  against  me  proudly. 

79 


3  It  is  a  day  that  I  should  fear, 

But  with  trust  do  I  cleave  unto  Thee ;  * 

4  In  God.  (l  will  praise  His  word  I) 
In  God  I  trust,  and  fear  nothing; 

What  can  flesh  do  unto  me  ? 

5  All  the  day  long  they  torture  my  words  ; 

Their  thoughts  are  against  me — all  for  evil ; 

6  They  gather  in  bands  ;  they  lie  in  ambush  ; 
They  are  close  at  my  heels  upon  the  watch. 

For  they  are  waiting  for  my  life. 

7  By  their  iniquity  shall  they  escape? 

In  anger  cast  down  the  heathen,  O  God  I 

8  Thou  hast  noted  my  wandering  steps  : 
In  Thy  bottle,  oh  store  up  my  tears  I 

Are  they  not  recorded  in  Thy  book  ? 

9  At  once  shall  mine  enemies  turn  back — 

As  soon  as  I  call ; 
This  I  know,  for  God  is  on  my  side. 

10  In  God.  (I  will  praise  His  word  !) 

In  Jehovah,  (l  will  praise  His  word!) 

11  In  God  I  trust,  and  fear  nothing; 

What  can  man  do  unto  me  ? 

12  Thy  vows.  O  God  I  are  upon  me  ; 

I  will  pay  Thee  my  thank-offerings : 

13  For  Thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  death; 

Hast  Thou  not  kept  my  feet  from  falling 
That  I  ma\-  walk  before  God  in  the  lieht  of  life? 


80 


FIFTY-SEVF.XTH 

[for  TlIK  ClIIEr  MISICIAN.       "  AL-TASCHITH. "        HY  OAVIH.       A  MUIIIAM  : 
WUKN   HE  KLK.n  FRDM  SAl'I.  IN  TIIK  CAVK.  ] 

E  t;racious.  bo  gracious  unto  nic  ; 

l"\)r  in  TIicc,  ()  Goil  I   niy  soul  takcth  refuge  ; 
I  take  refuge  in  Thy  shadowing  wings. 

Until  these  iniquities  be  past. 

2  I  will  call  unto  God,  the  Most  High  ; 

Unto  God  that  doeth  all  things  for  me  ; 

3  He  will  send  from  heaven  and  save  me 

From  the  revilers  that  pant  for  ni}-  life;      [Selah.] 
God  will  send  forth  His  lovingkindness  and  His  truth. 

4  My  soul  is  in  the  midst  of  lions; 

I  must  lie  down  among  the  fieiy — 
The  sons  of  men,  whose  teeth  are  spears  and  arrows, 
And  their  tongue  a  sharp  sword. 

5  Be  Thou  exai.tkd  .vhove  the  heavens,  O  God  ! 

Be  Thy  glory  above  all  the  earth. 


6  They  had  prepared  a  net  for  my  steps— 

My  soul  was  bowed  down  ; 
The\-  had  opened  a  pit-fall  before  me. 

Into  which  they  hav^e  themselv^es  fallen.     [Selah.] 

7  My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God  !  nn-  heart  is  fixed  : 

I  will  sing,  and  strike  the  chords. 

8  Awake,  O  my  glory!  awake,  lute  and  harp! 

Fain  would  I  awaken  the  dawn. 

9  I  will  praise  Thee  among  the  nations,  O  Lord ! 

I  will  make  melody  to  Thee  in  the  kingdoms  ; 
lO     For  Thy  great  lovingkindness  is  high  as  the  heavens  , 
And  Th)-  truth  reacheth  unto  the  skies. 

8i 


m 


1 1     Be  Thou  exalted  above  the  heavens,  O  God  ! 
Be  Thy  glory  above  all  the  earth  ! 

FIFTY-EIGHTH 

[for  THE  CHIEF  MUSICIAN.        "  AL-TASCHITH."        BY  DAVID.     A  MICHTAM.] 

RE  ye  verily  tongue-tied,  that  should  vindicate 

the  right. 
That  should  judge  with  equity  the  sons  of  men? 

2  Nay  more,  how  heartily  ye  practise  wickedness  ! 

Ye  weigh  out  in  the  earth  the  violence  of  your  hands. 

3  The  wicked  are  aliens  from  the  womb ; 

They  go  astray  from  their  birth,  speaking  lies. 

4  They  have  poison  like  the  poison  of  a  serpent ; 

They  are  like  a  deaf  adder  that  stoppeth  its  ears ; 

5  That  heareth  no  voice  of  enchanters, 

Of  a  charmer  that  charmeth  wisely. 

6  O  God  !  tear  their  teeth  from  their  mouth  ; 

Crush  the  grinders  of  these  lions,  O  Jehovah ! 

7  Let  them  melt  away  like  water  that  runneth  off; 

When  one  bendeth  the  bow,  let  his  arrows  be  blunt. 

8  As  a  snail  dissolveth,  let  them  pass  away, 

As  abortions  that  behold  not  the  sun  ; 

9  As  thorns,  ere  your  pots  feel  their  heat, 
Whirled  away  by  the  tempest. 

The  green  as  well  as  the  burned. 

10  Let  the  righteous  be  glad. 

For  he  hath  vision  of  vengeance  ; 
In  the  blood  of  the  wicked  he  shall  bathe  his  steps. 

1 1  Men  shall  say  ;  "  Truly  there  is  fruit  for  the  righteous  ; 

Truly  there  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth." 

82 


FIFTY-NINTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.  "  AL-TASCIIITH."  BY  DAVID.  A  MICHTAM. 
WHK.N  SAUL  SENT,  AND  THEY  WATCHED  THE  HOUSE  TO  I'UT  HIM  TO 
DEATH.] 

ELIVER  me  from  my  foes,  O  my  God ! 

Set  me  on  high,  away  from  mine  assailants  : 
2  Deliver  me  from  the  iniquitous  ; 

Oh  save  me  from  bloodthirsty  men. 

3  For,  lo,  they  are  in  ambush  for  my  life  ; 

The  strong  band  together  against  me ; 
Not  for  my  fault — not  for  my  sin,  O  Jehovah  ! 

4  Without  guilt  of  mine,  they  run  and  prepare; 

Oh  arouse  Thee  to  meet  me,  and  see  ! 

5  Yea,  Thou,  O  Jehovah  ! 

God  of  Hosts!  God  of  Israel! 
Awake  to  punish  all  the  heathen  ; 

Spare  not  any  that  are  treacherous  in  sin. 

[Selah.] 

6  They  return  at  evening  ;  they  snarl  like  dogs, 

And  go  the  rounds  of  the  city. 

7  Lo,  they  foam  at  the  mouth  ; 

In  their  lips  there  are  swords; 
"  For  who  heareth  ?  "  say  they. 

8  But  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  makest  light  of  them  ; 

Thou  holdest  all  the  heathen  in  derision. 

9  O  my  Strength  !  for  Thee  will  I  watch  ; 

For  it  is  God  that  setteth  me  on  high. 

10  IMy  God  in  lovingkindness  meeteth  me  ; 

God  giveth  me  joy  over  my  foes. 

11  Do  not  slay  them,  lest  my  people  forget  ; 

Scatter  them  by  Thy  power  and  subdue  then?i, 
O  Lord!  who  art  our  shield ! 

S3 


12  For  the  sin  of  their  mouth,  for  the  words  of  their  lips, 

Let  them  be  ensnared  in  their  pride  ; 
For  their  cursing,  and  the  hes  which  they  speak. 

13  Consume  them  in  wrath  ; 

Consume  them  that  they  be  no  more  ; 
That  they  may  know  that  God  who  ruleth  in  Jacob, 
Ruleth  to  the  bounds  of  the  earth.     [Selah.] 

14  When  they  return  at  evening, 

They  will  snarl  like  dogs, 
And  go  the  rounds  of  the  city. 

1 5  They  wander  up  and  down  for  food  ; 

With  nought  to   fill  them  must  they  spend  the 
night. 

16  But  as  for  me,  I  sing  of  Thy  power; 

And,  at  the  dawn,  sing  for  joy  of  Thy  love : 
For  Thou  art  become  my  tower  of  safety, 
A  refuge  in  my  day  of  distres's. 

17  Unto  Thee,  O  my  strength  !  I  strike  the  harp  ; 

For  God,  my  safe  tower,  is  God  who  loveth  me. 


SIXTIETH 

[for  THE  CHIEF  MUSICIAN.  SET  TO  "  SHUSHAN-EDUTH."  A  MICHTAM  OF 
DAVID,  FOR  INSTRUCTION  ;  WHEN  HE  FOUGHT  WITH  ARAM  OF  THE 
TWO  RIVERS  AND  ARAM  OF  ZOBAH  ;  AND  JOAB  RETURNED  AND  SMOTE 
IN  THE  A'ALLEY  OF  ABIMELECH  TWELVE  THOUSAND  MEN.] 

God  !  Thou  hast  cast  us  off,  hast  scattered  us  ; 
Thou  hast  been  angry ;  oh  restore  us  again  ! 
2  Thou  hast  convulsed  the  land.  Thou  hast  riven 
it  asunder  ; 
Rebuild  the  breaches  thereof,  for  it  falleth  into  ruin. 
Thou  hast  afflicted  Thy  people  with  hardship  ; 

Thou  hast  made  us  to  drink  the  wine  of  reeling. 

84 


4  I  last  Thou  given  a  banner  to  those  that  fear  Thee, 

That  they  may  flee  before  the  bow  ?     [Selah.] 

5  For  the  deliverance  of  Thy  beloved, 

Save  with  Thy  right  hand,  and  answer  us. 

6  God  hath  spoken  in  His  holiness; 

Therefore  will  I  exult ! 
I  will  portion  out  Shechem, 

And  will  measure  the  valley  of  Succoth. 

7  Mine  is  Gilead,  and  Manasseh  is  mine, 

And  Ephraim  is  the  defence  of  my  head 
As  for  Judah,  he  is  my  royal  staff. 

8  I  use  Moab  for  cleansing,  and  on  Edom  plant  my  foot 

Concerning  me,  O  Philistia,  cry  aloud  ! 

9  Who  will  bring  me  to  the  fortress  city  ? 

Who  will  conduct  me  to  Edom? 

10  O  God  !  hast  not  Thou  cast  us  off? 

Then  goest  not  forth,  O  God !  with  our  hosts. 

1 1  Oh  give  us  Thy  help  from  the  foe  ; 

For  vain  is  the  help  of  man. 

12  Through  God  shall  we  do  valiantly, 

For  it  is  He  that  will  trample  upon  our  foes. 


SIXTY-FIRST 

[for  the  chief  musician.      on  a  stringed  instrument.      by  DAVID.] 

EAR  my  cry,  O  God  ! 

Oh  attend  to  my  prayer: 
2  From  the  bounds  of  the  earth, 

I  call  unto  Thee  with  fainting  heart 

Lead  me  to  the  rock  that  is  hicih  above  me. 


3  For  Thou  hast  become  my  refuge  ; 

A  tower  of  strength,  away  from  the  foe. 

4  Let  me  be  a  guest  in  Thy  tabernacle  for  ever  ; 

Let  me  hide  under  cover  of  Thy  wings. 

5  For  Thou,  O  God  !  hast  hearkened  to  my  vows  ; 

Thou  hast  restored  their  heritage  to  those  that  fear 
Thy  Name. 

6  Add  new  days  to  the  hfetime  of  the  king ; 

Let  his  years  extend  for  generations. 

7  Let  him  be  enthroned  for  ever  before  God; 
Lovingkindness  and  truth  be  Thy  gift  to  preserve  him. 

8  Thus  will  I  make  melody  to  Thy  Name  for  ever, 

While  daily  performing  my  vows. 


SIXTY-SECOND 

[for  the  chief  musician.       upon  JEDUTHUN.      a  rSALM  OF  DAVID.] 

NLY  be  silent  before  God,  my  soul ! 

For  from  Him  cometh  my  salvation. 
2  Only  He  is  my  rock  and  salvation  ; 
He  is  my  fortress;  I  shall  not  be  greatly  moved. 

3  How  long  will  ye  assail  a  man. 

That  ye  may  destroy  him,  all  of  you  ; 
Like  a  wall  that  hath  given  way, 

Like  a  fence  thrown  down  ? 

4  To  thrust  him  forth  from  his  dignity  is  their  only 

thought ; 
They  delight  in  falsehood  ; 
Their  mouth  blesseth,  but  in  their  heart  they  curse. 

[Selah.] 

86 


5  Only  be  silent  before  God,  my  soul ! 

For  my  expectation  is  from  Him. 

6  Only  He  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation  ; 
He  is  my  high  tower ; 

I  shall  not  be  overthrown. 

7  In  God  have  I  safety  and  glory  ; 

My  strong  rock,  and  my  refuge,  is  in  God. 

8  Trust  Him,  ye  people,  at  all  times  ; 

Pour  out  your  heart  before  Him  : 
God  is  a  refuge  for  us.     [Selah.] 

9  Only  a  breath  are  the  children  of  men, 

And  a  falsehood  are  those  that  are  nobly  born  : 
In  the  balances  they  go  up  ; 

They  are  alike  lighter  than  breath ! 

10  Trust  ye  not  in  oppression. 

And  boast  not  vainly  of  spoil ; 
If  wealth  springeth  up,  regard  it  not. 

1 1  One  thing  hath  God  spoken  ;  these  two  have  I  heard  ; 

That  power  belongeth  unto  God  : 

12  And  that  in  Thee,  O  God!  there  is  lovingkindness ; 

For  Thou   renderest  unto  every  man  according  to 
his  work. 


SIXTY-THIRD 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID  WHEN  HE  WAS  liN  THE  WILDERNESS  OF  JUDAII.] 

GOD  !  Thou  art  my  God  ;  earnestly  I  seek  Thee  I 
My  soul  thirsteth  for  Thee,  my  flesh  pineth  for 

Thee, 
In  a  desert  land,  and  fainting  for  lack  of  water! 

87 


2  So  in  the  sanctuary   I  had  vision  of  Thee, 

Beholding  Thy  power  and  Thy  glory ! 

3  For  Thy  lovingkindness  is  better  than  life; 

Therefore  do  my  lips  praise  Thee ! 

4  Thus  must  I  bless  Thee  while  I  live  ; 

In  Thy  Name  I  lift  up  my  hands ! 

5  My  soul  is  filled  as  with  marrow  and  fatness, 

And  my  mouth  praiseth  Thee  with  joyful  lips. 

6  When  I  remember  Thee  upon  my  bed, 

I  meditate  of  Thee  through  the  night  watches  ; 

7  For  since  Thou  hast  become  my  helper. 

Overshadowed  by  Thy  wings,  I  sing  for  joy. 

8  My  soul  cleaveth  close  in  following  Thee, 

Held  fast  by  Thine  own  right  hand. 

9  But  they,  to  their  ruin,  seek  after  my  life  ; 

They  go  down  into  the  depths  of  the  earth  : 

10  They  shall  be  given  over  to  the  power  of  the  sword 

They  shall  become  a  prey  for  jackals. 

1 1  But  the  king  shall  rejoice  in  God  ; 

Every  one  that  sweareth  by  Him  shall  glory, 

But  the  mouth  of  liars  shall  be  stopped. 


SIXTY-FOURTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

EAR  my  voice,  O  God  !  in  my  lamentation  ; 
Preserve  my  life  from  the  terror  of  the  foe. 
2   Hide  me  from  the  league  of  evil  doers, 
From  the  crowd  of  the  iniquitous  ; 
3     Who  whet  their  tongue  like  a  sword ; 

Who  aim  their  arrows — their  bitter  words ; 


88 


4  In  hiding  to  shoot  at  the  upright ; 

Suddenly  they  shoot  at  him,  and  fear  not. 

5  They  confirm  themselves  in  an  evil  purpose, 

By  speaking  of  the  snares  they  have  hid ; 
They  say,  "  Who  can  see  them  ?  " 

6  They  devise  villainies  ; 

*'  We  are  ready  with  a  well-wrought  plan  :  " 
Every  thought  is  deep,  and  deep  is  every  heart. 

7  But  God  thrustcth  them  through  ; 

With  an  arrow  suddenly  their  wounds  come : 

8  And  they  are  brought  down  ; 

Their  own  tongues  are  against  them ; 
Every  one  that  sceth  them  fleeth  away. 

9  Yea,  all  men  stand  in  awe ; 

And  they  tell  of  what  God  hath  wrought ; 
His  work  they  wisely  consider. 
lO     Let  the  righteous  be  glad  in  Jehovah,  and  take  refuge 
in  Him, 
And  let  all  the  upright  in  heart  give  Him  glory! 


SIXTY-FIFTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.       A  SONG.] 

NTO  Thee,  O  God  !  in  Zion, 

In  the  stillness  cometh  a  song  of  praise. 
And  to  Thee  our  vow  is  performed. 

2  O  Thou  that  hearest  prayer, 

Unto  Thee  let  all  flesh  come  ! 

3  Mine  iniquities  overpower  me  ; 

But  Thou  coverest  our  trangressions. 

89 


4     O  the  blessedness  of  him  whom  Thou  choosest  and 
bringest  near, 
That  he  may  dwell  in  Thy  courts  ! 
May  we  be  filled  with  the  blessings  of  Thy  house — 
Of  Thy  holy  temple. 

5  Fearfully  in  righteousness  Thou  answerest  us, 

O  God  of  our  salvation  ! 
That  art  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
And  of  the  far  off  sea  ; 

6  That  settest  fast  the  mountains  by  Thy  power, 

Being  girded  with  might  ; 

7  That  stillest  the  roaring  of  the  seas, 

The  roaring  of  their  billows, 
And  the  tumult  of  the  nations. 

8  Those  that  dwell  at  the  uttermost  bounds 

Are  in  fear  at  Thy  tokens  ; 
The  portals  of  morning  and  evening, 

Thou  makest  to  sing  for  joy. 

9  Thou  hast  visited  the  land  and  flooded  it ; 

Thou  dost  abundantly  enrich  it ; 
For  God's  watercourses  are  full  of  water : 
Thou  providest  them  with  grain, 

When  Thou  hast  thus  prepared  the  ground ; 

10  Its  furrows  Thou  drenchest, 

Beatest  down  its  ridges, 
With  showers  softenest, 

Its  growth  dost  bless  ! 

1 1  Thou  crownest  the  year  with  Thy  goodness, 

And  Thy  footsteps  are  dripping  with  riches ; 

12  On  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness  they  are  dripping; 

And  the  hills  are  girdled  with  joy. 

90 


13     The  meadows  are  clotlied  with  flocks. 

And  the  valleys  mantled  with  grain  ; 
They  shout  for  joy  ;  )-ca,  more,  they  sing! 


SIXTY-SIXTH 

[rOR  TIIK  CIIIEK  MUSICIAN.       A  SONG.       A  PSALM.] 

IIOUT  joyfully  unto  God,  all  the  earth! 
2  Strike  the  harp  to  His  glorious  Name ; 
Give  Him  glory  in  a  song  of  praise. 

3  Say  unto  God,   "  How  fearful  are  Thy  doings  ! 

Thy  foes  cringe  to  Thee  in  Thy  great  power. 

4  Let  all  the  earth  worship  Thee  and  strike  the  harp ; 

Let  them  make  melody  to  Thy  Name.     [Selah.] 

5  Come  and  see  what  God  hath  accomplished  ; 

How  fearful  His  deeds  toward  the  sons  of  men  ! 

6  lie  turned  the  sea  into  dry  land  ; 

They  passed  through  the  river  on  foot ; 
Then  did  we  rejoice  in  Him. 

7  He  ruleth  in  His  might  for  ever; 

His  eyes  watch  over  the  nations  : 
Let  not  the  rebellious  exalt  themselves.     [Selah.] 

8  Bless  our  God,  O  ye  nations! 

Let  your  voice  be  heard  in  His  praise  ; 

9  For  He  prescrveth  our  soul  in  life, 

And  suffereth  not  our  feet  to  stumble. 

10  For  Thou  hast  proved  us,  O  God  ! 

Thou  hast  tried  us  as  silver  is  tried  ; 

1 1  Thou  broughtest  us  into  the  hunter's  net ; 

Thou  laidst  heavy  burdens  upon  our  loins. 

91 


12  Thou  hast  caused  men  to  ride  over  our  heads ; 
We  went  through  fire  and  through  flood, 

But  Thou  hast  brought  us  forth  into  abundance. 

13  I  enter  Thy  house  with  burnt  offerings; 

I  will  pay  unto  Thee  my  vows  , 

14  Those  which  my  lips  have  uttered, 

And  my  mouth  hath  spoken  in  my  distress. 

15  Burnt  offerings  of  fatlings  I  bring  Thee, 

With  the  incense  of  rams  ; 
I  offer  bullocks  with  goats.     [Selah.] 

16  Come,  hear  ye,  and  I  will  tell, 

All  ye  that  fear  God, 
What  He  hath  done  for  my  soul. 

17  I  called  unto  Him  with  my  mouth, 

And  He  was  extolled  by  my  tongue. 

18  If  my  heart  delighted  in  evil. 

The  Lord  would  not  hear  me. 

19  But  verily  the  Lord  hath  heard  me ; 

He  hath  heeded  my  supplicating  voice. 

20  Blessed  be  God, 

Who  turneth  not  away  my  prayer. 

Nor  withdraweth  from  me  His  lovingkindness ! 

SIXTY-SEVENTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,      on  stringed  instruments,      a  psalm,    a 

SONG.] 

OD  be  gracious  unto  us,  and  bless  us, 
And  let  His  presence  shine  upon  us ! 
2  That  Thy  way  may  be  known  in  the  earth, 
Among  all  nations  Thy  saving  power. 

3     Let  the  peoples  praise  Thee,  O  God ! 

Let  the  peoples,  all  of  them,  praise  Thee ! 

92 


Let  the  nations  be  glad,  and  shout  for  joy ! 

For  Thou  judgcst  the  peoples  justly, 

And  Thou  guidest  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

[Selah.] 
Let  the  peoples  praise  Thee,  O  God  ! 

Let  the  peoples,  all  of  them,  praise  Thee ! 
The  earth  hath  yielded  her  increase. 

And  God,  our  own  God,  blesseth  us: 
God  blesseth  us, 

And  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  fear  Him ! 

SIXTY-EIGHTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       by  DAVID.       A  PSALM.       A  SONG.] 

OD  ariseth,  His  enemies  scatter; 

Those  that  hate  Him  flee  before  Him  ! 
2  As  smoke  is  driven  away, 

Thou  drivest  them  away ; 
As  wax  melteth  before  the  fire, 
The  wicked  perish  before  God. 

3  But  the  righteous  are  glad — they  rejoice  before  God  ; 

Yea,  they  exult  in  their  gladness. 

4  Sing  ye  to  God  !  strike  the  harp  to  His  Name  ! 

Make  a  highway  for  the  rider  through  deserts ! 
I  AM  is  His  Name  ;  oh,  exult  ye  before  Him. 

5  The  Father  of  orphans  and  Defender  of  widows 

Is  God  in  His  holy  dwelling. 

6  God  setteth  the  solitary  in  families ; 

He  bringeth  out  the  prisoners  into  abundance  : 
But  the  rebellious  dwell  in  a  parched  land. 

7  O  God  !  in  Thy  advance  before  Thy  people, 

In  Thy  march  through  the  desert —  [Selah.] 

93 


8  The  earth  trembled  ; 

Yea,  the  heavens  dissolved  in  drops  before  God — 
At  yonder  Sinai,  before  God,  the  God  of  Israel. 

9  Thou  sentest  down  a  free-flowing  rain,  O  God  ! 

Thy  weary  inheritance,  Thou  Thyself  didst  refresh ; 

10  For  therein  Thy  living  ones  were  dwelling ; 

In  Thy  goodness,  O  God  !  Thou  carest  for  the  poor. 

1 1  The  Lord  giveth  the  word  ; 

The  women  heralding  gladness  are  a  great  host. 

12  Kings  of  armies — they  flee  !  tl"tey  flee  ! 

She  that  bideth  at  home  divideth  the  spoil. 

13  When  ye  are  in  your  camps  among  the  sheepfolds, 
They  are  as  a  dove's  wings,  covered  with  silver, 

And  her  pinions  with  yellow  gold. 

14  When  the  Almighty  scattereth  kings  there, 

They  are  like  the  driving  snow  on  Zalmon. 

15  A  mountain  of  God  is  Mount  Bashan  ; 

A  mountain  with  peaks  is  Mount  Bashan. 

16  Wliy  watch  ye  enviously,  ye  mountain  peaks? 
This  mountain  God  desireth  for  a  dwelling  ; 

Yea,  Jehovah  will  inhabit  it  for  ever. 

17  The  war  chariots  of  God  are  myriads, 

Thousands  upon  thousands ; 
The  Lord  is  among  them, 

Sinai  is  in  the  sanctuary. 

18  Thou  hast  ascended    on   high,  leadest    captive    Thy 

captured. 
Thy  trophies  are  men  ; 
Yea,  the  rebellious  are  to  dwell  with  Jehovah  God. 


94 


19     Blessed  be  God,  who  daily  beareth  our  burden, 

The  Mighty  One  who  is  our  salvation  !     [Selah.] 

20  The  Mighty  One  on  our  side  is  mighty  for  salvation  ; 

Through    Jehovah,   our    Lord,  have    we    escaped 
from  death. 

21  But  God  smiteth  asunder  the  head  of  His  foes. 

The  hairy  crown  that  stalketh  on  in  his  sins. 

22  The  Lord  said,  "  From  Bashan  will  I  bring  thee  back, 

I  will  bring  thee  back  out  of  the  depths  of  the  sea  ; 

23  That  Thou  mayest  dash  th}'  foot  in  the  enemies'  blood, 

Which  the  tongue  of  thy  dogs  shall  share." 

24  They  saw^  Thy  triumphal  entrance,  O  God  ! 
The  triumphal  entrance  of  my  Mighty  God — 

Of  my  King,  into  the  sanctuary. 

25  The  singers  went  foremost,  behind  them  the  harpers. 

In  the  midst  of  the  damsels,  beating  their  timbrels. 

26  In  the  choir  of  the  assembly,  bless  God  ! 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  whose  fountain  is  Israel ! 

27  Benjamin,  the  youngest,  is  their  leader  ; 
Princes  of  Judah  are  their  throng — 

Princes  of  Zebulon — princes  of  Naphtali! 

28  Thy  God  commandeth  that  thou  be  strong ; 
Make  strong,  then,  O  God  ! 

That  which  Thou  hast  wrought  for  us. 

29  To  Thy  palace  above  Jerusalem, 

Unto  Thee,  the  kings  bring  their  gifts. 

30  Rebuke  the  wild  beasts  of  the  reeds, 

The  herds  of  strong  cattle,  with  the  steers  of  the 
nations. 
That  come  crouching  with  bars  of  silver ; 
He  hath  scattered  the  nations  that  have  pleasure  in  war. 

95 


31  Coming  on  are  the  magnates  from  Egypt; 

With  gift-laden  hands  Ethiopia  hasteth  unto  God. 

32  Sing  unto  God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the  earth  ; 

Make  melody  upon  the  harp  to  the  Lord  ;    [Selah.] 

33  To  the  rider  in  the  highest  of  the  heavens  of  old  ; 

Lo,  He  uttereth  His  voice — it  is  a  voice  of  strength! 

34  Ascribe  ye  power  unto  God  ; 

His  majesty  is  over  Israel,  His  strength  in  the  skies. 

35  Terrible  art  Thou,  O  God!  coming  forth  from  Thy 

sanctuary ; 
The  Mighty  One  of  Israel,  that  giveth  strength  and 
power  to  His  people  :  BLESSED  BE  GOD  ! 


SIXTY-NINTH 

[for    the    chief    musician.      set  to    "SHOSIIANNIM."      by  DAVID.] 

AVE  me,  O  God ! 

For  the  waters  come  in  unto  my  soul. 
2   I  sink  in  the  mire  of  the  abyss, 
Where  there  is  no  standing; 
I  have  come  into  the  deep  waters. 

And  a  flood  overwhelmeth  me. 

3  I  am  weary  with  my  calling; 

My  throat  is  parched  ; 
Mine  eyes  fail  while  I  wait  for  my  God. 

4  More  in  number  than  the  hairs  of  my  head  are  they 

that  hate  me  without  cause  ; 
Strong  are  my  destroyers,  my  wronging  foes  ; 

What  I  gained  not  by  fraud,  I  must  then  restore ! 

5  O  God  !  TriOU  knowest  my  follies, 

And  my  ill-doings  are  not  hid  from  Thee. 

96 


6  Not  through  mc,  O  Jcliovah,  Lord  of  Hosts, 

Let  those  that  wait  for  Thee  be  ashamed  ! 
Not  through  me,  O  God  of  Israel, 

Let  those  that  seek  Thee  be  disgraced  ! 

7  But  for  Thy  sake  I  bear  reviling, 

And  disgrace  covereth  my  face. 

8  I  have  become  estranged  from  my  brethren ; 

Yea,  I  am  an  aHen  to  my  mother's  sons  : 

9  Because  zeal  for  Thy  house  hath  consumed  me ; 

The  reviling  of  Thy  revilcrs  hath  fallen  upon  me. 

10  When  I  fasted,  and  wept  away  my  soul, 

I  brought  upon  me  their  sharp  reproach  : 

1 1  When  I  made  sackcloth  my  clothing, 

I  became  their  by-word, 

12  Those  that  sit  in  the  market-places  whisper  of  me; 

And  I  am  the  music  of  revellers. 

13  But  I — O  Jehovah  !  my  prayer  is  unto  Thee, 

In    a   time    of   favour,    O    God !    through   Thine 
abundant  lovingkindness: 
Answer  me  with  Thy  faithful,  saving  power. 

14  Snatch  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let  me  not  sink ; 

Let  me  escape  from  my  foes,  and  out  of  the  deep 
waters. 

15  Let  not  the  flood  of  waters  overwhelm  me. 

Nor  the  abyss  swallow  me  up ; 
And  let  not  the  grave  close  upon  mc  its  mouth. 

16  Answer  me,  O  Jehovah  ! 

For  Thy  lovingkindness  is  good  ; 

In  Thine  abundant  mercies  turn  unto  me. 

97 


17     Hide  not  Thy  face  from  Thy  servant, 

For  I  am  in  distress ;  oh  answer  me  speedily. 

i8     Draw  nigh  unto  my  soul  and  redeem  it; 
Ransom  me  because  of  mine  enemies. 

19  Thou  knowest  my  reviling,  my  shame,  and  my  disgrace; 

Mine  adversaries  are  all  before  Thee. 

20  Their  reviling  hath  broken  my  heart ;  I  am  sick : 
And  I  look  for  pity,  but  in  vain. 

And  for  comforters,  but  can  find  none. 

21  They  give  me  gall  for  my  food  ; 

And  in  my  thirst,  they  give  me  vinegar  to  drink. 

22  Let  their  table  before  them  become  a  snare ; 

■When  they  are  in  security,  let  it  become  a  trap. 

23  Let  their  eyes  be  darkened  that  they  see  not, 

And  let  their  loins  tremble  continually. 

24  Pour  out  Thine  indignation  upon  them, 

And  let  Thy  burning  anger  overtake  them. 

25  Let  their  encampment  be  desolate; 

Let  none  dwell  in  their  tents. 

26  For  they  persecute  him  Thou  hast  smitten  ; 

And  tell  of  the  pain  of  those  Thou  hast  pierced. 

27  Punish  them  according  to  their  iniquity  , 

And  let  them  not  come  into  Thy  righteousness. 

28  Let  them  be  blotted  out  of  the  record  of  the  living, 

And  not  be  written  with  the  righteous. 

29  But  as  for  me,  O  God  !  in  suffering  and  sorrow, 

Let  Thy  saving  power  set  me  on  high. 

30  I  will  praise  the  Name  of  God  with  a  song ; 

I  will  magnify  Him  with  thanksgiving : 

98 


31  And  Jehovah  will  be  pleased  therewith, 

More  than  with  a  bullock  having  horns  and  hoofs. 

32  The  suffering  will  see,  and  be  glad  ; 

Ye  that  seek  after  God,  let  your  heart  revive ! 

33  For  Jehovah  hcarkcneth  to  the  needy, 

And  He  despiseth  not  His  prisoners. 

34  Let  the  heavens  and  the  earth  praise  Him, 

The  seas,  and  all  that  moveth  therein; 

35  For  God  will  save  Zion, 

And  He  will  build  the  cities  of  Judah  , 
That  they  may  abide  there,  and  have  possession. 

36  The  seed  of  his  servants  shall  possess  them. 

And  those  that  love  His  Name  shall  dwell  in  them. 

SEVENTIETH 

[for  the  chief  MUSICIAN'.       HY  DAVID.       TO  BRING  TO  REMEMBRANCE.] 

God  !  hasten  to  deliver  me  ; 

O  Jehovah  !  hasten  for  my  help. 
2  Let  those  come  to  shame  and  confusion, 
That  seek  after  my  life  ; 
Let  those  fall  back  in  disgrace, 

That  desire  to  destroy  me  ; 

3  Let  those  turn  away  in  their  shame. 

That  say  to  me,  "Aha!  Aha!" 

4  But  let  all  that  seek  after  Thee, 

Rejoice  and  be  glad  in  Thee; 
Let  all  that  love  Thy  salvation  ever  say, 
"  God  be  magnified  !  " 

5  And  I — suffering  and  needy — 

O  God,  make  haste  to  me! 
Thou  art  my  help  and  deliverer; 

O  Jehovah,  delay  not ! 

99 


SEVENTY-FIRST 

N  Thee,  O  Jehovah  !  have  I  taken  refuge  ; 

Let  me  never  be  put  to  shame. 
2  In  Thy  righteousness  dehver  and  rescue  me; 
IncHne  Thine  ear  unto  me,  and  save  me. 

3  Be  to  me  a  dwelHng  in  the  rock  for  continual  resort. 

Thou  that  hast  commanded  that  I  be  saved ! 
For  Thou  art  my  high  hfted  rock  and  my  fortress. 

4  Free  me,  my  God  !  from  the  power  of  the  wicked, 

From  the  hand  of  him  that  wrongeth  and  rageth. 

5  For  Thou  art  my  hope,  O  Lord,  Jehovah  ! 

Thou  art  my  trust  from  my  youth. 

6  Upon  Thee  have  I  been  stayed  from  my  birth ; 

Through  Thy  help  my  mother  bare  me  : 
My  praise  is  continually  of  Thee. 

7  I  have  become  a  wonder  unto  many. 

But  Thou  art  my  strong  refuge. 

8  My  mouth  is  filled  with  Thy  praise ; 

All  the  day  long  with  Thy  glory. 

9  Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age ; 

Forsake  me  not  when  my  strength  faileth. 

10  For  mine  enemies  say  of  me, 

When  they  are  in  council  watching  for  my  life, 

1 1  "  God  hath  forsaken  him  ; 

Pursue  and  take  him,  for  there  is  none  to  deliver." 

12  O  God,  be  not  far  from  me ! 

O  my  God,  hasten  to  help  me ! 

13  Let  those  come  to  shame  and  perish, 

That  assail  my  life  ; 

100 


Let  those  be  covered  with  scorn  and  disgrace, 
That  would  fain  destroy  me. 

14  But  as  for  me,  I  hope  continually, 

And  will  praise  Thee  yet  more  and  more. 

15  My  mouth  recounteth  Thy  righteous  deeds, 

And  all  the  day  long  Thy  deliverances  ; 
For  I  know  not  the  numbers  thereof. 

16  I  come  with  the  mighty  acts  of  the  Lord  Jehovah ; 

I  celebrate  Thy  righteousness,  even  Thine  only. 

17  O  God  !  Thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth, 

And  hitherto  I  have  declared  Thy  wonders. 

18  Even  unto  old  age  and  gray  hairs, 

O  God  !  forsake  me  not ; 
Till  I  show  Thy  power  to  this  generation. 

Thy  might  to  all  that  shall  come. 

19  Thy  righteousness,  O  God  !  reacheth  unto  the  highest : 

0  God  !  that  hast  done  great  things, 

Who  is  like  unto  Thee? 

20  Thou  that  hast  shown  us  distresses,  many  and  grievous. 

Wilt  restore  us  unto  life  ; 
Yea,  out  of  the  depths  of  the  earth, 

Thou  wilt  bring  us  up  again  ; 

21  Thou  wilt  increase  my  greatness. 

And  return  to  comfort  me. 

22  I  praise  Thee  with  the  psaltery. 

Even  Thy  truth,  O  my  God ! 

1  make  melody  to  Thee  with  the  harp, 

Thou  Holy  One  of  Israel ! 

23  My  lips  sing  with  joy  while  I  harp  to  Thee, 

And  my  soul  which  Thou  hast  redeemed. 

loi 


24     Yea,  my  tongue  uttereth  Thy  righteousness  all  the 
day  long ; 
For  they  are  in  shame,  for  they  are  confounded, 
That  seek  to  destroy  me. 


SEVENTY-SECOND 

[by    SOLOMON.] 

IVE  Thy  judgments,  O  God  !  unto  the  king, 

Thy  righteousness  to  him  of  royal  birth. 
2  Let  him  rule  Thy  people  in  uprightness, 
And  Thy  sufferers  with  equity. 

3  Let  the  mountains  bear  blessing  to  the  people  , 

And  the  hills  be  fruitful  in  righteousness. 

4  Let  him  redress  the  sufferers  of  the  people  ; 

Let  him  save  the  needy, 
And  let  him  crush  the  oppressor. 

5  Let  them  fear  Thee  while  the  sun  endureth. 

While  the  moon  giveth  light,  through  all  ages. 

6  Let  him  come  down  as  rain  upon  the  meadow. 

As  showers  that  water  the  earth. 

7  In  his  days,  let  the  righteous  flourish , 

And  peace  abound  till  the  moon  faileth. 

8  Let  him  have  dominion  from  sea  to  sea, 

And  from  the  river  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

9  Before  him  let  the  people  of  the  desert  crouch. 

And  let  his  enemies  lick  the  dust. 

10  Let  the  kings  of  Tarshish  and  the  isles  pay  tribute  , 

The  kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  bring  gifts. 

1 1  Yea,  let  all  kings  bow  down  to  him  , 

Let  all  the  nations  serve  him. 

102 


12  For  he  will  deliver  the  needy  that  crieth, 

The  sufferer,  and  him  that  hath  none  to  aid. 

13  He  will  pit}-  the  wretched  and  needy, 

And  the  lives  of  the  needy  will  he  save ; 

14  From  wrong  and  violence  will  he  redeem  them ; 

Yea,  precious  is  their  blood  in  his  sight. 

15  Let  them  li\'e,  and  let  them  give  him  of  the  gold  of 

Sheba ; 
Let  them  pray  for  him  continually ; 
Let  them  bless  him  all  the  day  long. 

16  Let  grain  be  abundant  in  the  land, 

Even  upon  the  mountain  top ; 
Let  the  fruit  thereof  wave  like  Lebanon, 

And  away  from  the  cities  let  the  people  flourish 
like  the  grass  of  the  earth. 
ly     Let  his  name  endure  for  ever; 

While  the  sun  shineth,  let  his  name  increase ; 
And  let  men  find  blessing  in  him  ; 
Let  all  nations  call  him  blessed. 

18  Blessed  be  Jehovah,  God — the  God  of  Israel, 

Who  alone  doeth  wondrous  things  : 

19  Yea,  Blessed  be  His  glorious  Name  forever  ; 

And  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with 
His  glory. 
Amen  and  Amen  ! 

20  The  prayers  of  David,  the  son  of  Jesse,  are  ended. 


103 


BOOK   III. 

SEVENTY-THIRD 

[a.  psalm  of  ASAPH.] 

URELY  God  is  good  unto  Israel, 

Unto  the  pure  in  heart. 
2  But  I — my  feet  had  nearly  given  way; 

In  a  moment,  my  steps  would  have  failed. 

3  For  I  was  incensed  at  the  boastful ; 

I  beheld  how  the  wicked  were  prospered  ; 

4  Sound  and  firm  is  their  strength, 

And  they  suffer  no  pangs. 

5  They  are  not  in  the  trouble  of  mortals ; 

They  are  not  stricken  with  mankind  ; 

6  So  pride  becometh  their  necklace  ; 

A  garment  of  violence  enrobeth  them. 

7  Their  eyes  go  forth  in  grossness  ; 

The  vain  thoughts  of  their  hearts  overflow. 

8  They  talk  wickedly  of  oppression  ; 

They  speak  as  from  on  high. 

9  Yea,  they  have  set  their  mouth  in  the  heavens. 

And  their  tongue  travelleth  through  the  earth- 

104 


rO     Therefore  God's  people  turn  away  after  them, 
And  enjoy  the  waters  of  a  full  .stream  ; 

11  And  they  say:  "  Doth  the  Almighty  know? 

How  can  there  be  knowledge  with  the  Most  High?" 

12  Behold,  these  are  the  wicked  ; 

And  secure  for  ever,  the}'  increase  in  power. 

13  Surely  in  vain  have  I  cleansed  my  heart, 

And  washed  in  innocence  my  hands , 

14  Seeing  I  am  smitten  all  the  day  long, 

And  every  morning  my  chastisement  cometh. 

15  If  I  had  said,    "  I  will  speak  thus," 

Behold,  I  should  have  been  faithless  to  the  gener- 
ation of  Thy  children. 

16  When  I  pondered  that  I  might  understand  this, 

It  was  grievous  in  mine  eyes ; 

17  Until  I  went  into  the   sanctuary  of  God, 

That  I  might  consider  what  should  be  their  end. 

18  Surely  Thou  settest  them  in  slippery^  places; 

Thou  hast  cast  them  down  into  destruction. 

19  How  they  come  into  desolation  in  a  moment ! 

They  are  utterly  consumed  with  terrors. 

20  As  a  dream  when  one  awaketh, 

So,  O  Lord  I  when  Thou  art  aroused. 
Thou  wilt  despise  their  image. 

21  When  my  heart  became  bitter, 

And  I  was  so  deeply  pained  ; 

22  Then  was  I  a  brute,  and  knew  nothing  ; 

I  had  become  as  a  beast  before  Thee. 

23  But  as  for  me,  I  am  continually  with  Thee; 

Thou  boldest  me  by  my  right  hand, 

105 


24  Thou  wilt  guide  me  with  Thy  counsel, 

And  afterward  receive  me  to  glory. 

25  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  Thee? 

And  having  Thee,  I  delight  not  in  the  earth. 

26  My  flesh  and  my  heart  fail ; 

But  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart, 
And  my  portion  for  ever ! 

2j     For,  lo,  those  that  are  far  from  Thee,  must  perish 
Those  that  forsake  Thee  wantonly, 
Thou  wilt  destroy  them  all. 
28     But  as  for  me,  my  joy  is  my  nearness  to  God ; 
In  Thee,  Lord  Jehovah  !  I  take  refuge. 

That  I  may  tell  of  all  that  Thou  hast  done. 


SEVENTY-FOURTH 

[a  MASKIL  of  ASAPH.] 

HY,  O  God!  dost  Thou  spurn  us  for  ever? 
Why  ascendeth  the  smoke  of  Thine  anger 

Over  the  flock  of  Thy  shepherd  care  ? 

2  Remember  Thine  assembly  which  Thou  hast  purchased 

of  old  , 
The  tribe  Thou  hast  redeemed  for  Thy  possession, 
And  Mount  Zion,  wherein  Thou  hast  dwelt. 

3  Let  Thy  footsteps  pass  up  to  the  perpetual  ruins, 

Unto  all  that  the  enemy  hath  destroyed  in  the 
sanctuary. 

4  Thine  adversaries  roared  in  the  midst  of  Thy  place 

of  assembly ; 
They  set  up  their  own  symbols  for  the  symbols  of 
God. 

106 


5  They  seemed  like  men  with  axes  uplifted, 

Assaulting  the  thick  growing  trees  ; 

6  For  now,  the  carved  work  thereof,*all  of  it, 

They  have  smitten  with  hammer  and  sledge^ 

7  They  cast  fire  into  Thy  sanctuary  ; 

To  the  earth  they  profaned  the  dwelling  place  of 
Thy  Name. 

8  They  said  in  their  heart, 

"  We  will  crush  them  at  once  ;  " 
They  have  burned  all  the  houses  of  God  in  the  land. 

9  We  see  not  our  symbols  ; 

No  more  have  we  with  us  a  prophet, 
Nor  any  that  knowcth  how  long. 

10  How  long,  O  God  !  shall  the  oppressor  revile? 

Shall  the  enemy  scoff  at  Thy  Name  for  ever? 

1 1  Why  withdrawest  Thou  Thy  hand,  Thy  right  hand  ? 

Out  of  Thy  bosom  bring  it  forth  and  make  an  end. 

12  Yet  God  is  my  King  of  old ; 

Working  deliverance  in  the  midst  of  the  earth. 

13  It  was  Thou  that  didst  rend  the  sea  in  Thy  strength, 

And  shatter  the  heads  of  the  monsters  upon  the 
waters  ; 

14  Thou  that  didst  crush  the  heads  of  the  dragon, 

Giving  him  for  food  to  the  people  of  the  desert ; 

1 5  Thou  that  didst  cleave  the  fountain  and  the  torrent, 

And  dry  up  the  rivers  ever  flowing. 

16  Thine  is  the  day,  and  Thine  is  the  night  ; 

Thou  hast  prepared  the  light  and  the  sun, 

17  Thou  hast  fixed  all  the  bounds  of  the  earth  ; 
Summer  and  winter, 

,  It  is  Thou  that  hast  formed  them. 

107 


i8     Remember  this ,  O  Jehovah! 

How  the  enemy  hath  reviled  Thee, 
And  a  foolish  people  have  blasphemed  Thy  Name. 

19  Give  not  Thy  turtledove  to  the  ravenous  beast ; 

Forget  not  the  life  of  Thy  wretched  ones  for  ever. 

20  Have  respect  unto  the  covenant ; 

For  the  dark  regions  of  the  earth  are  filled  with 
homes  of  violence. 

21  Let  not  the  oppressed  turn  back  in  dishonour; 

Let  the  suffering  and  the  needy  praise  Thy  Name. 

22  Arise,  O  God  !  plead  Thine  own  cause  ; 

Remember  how  the  foolish  revile  Thee  all  the  day 
long; 

23  Forget  not  the  noise  of  Thine  adversaries, 

The  uproar  of  Thy  foes  that  ascendeth  continually. 


SEVENTY-FIFTH 

[for  THE  CHIEF    MUSICIAN.         "  AL-TASCHITH."        A    PSALM    OF    ASAPH. 

SONG.] 

E  give  Thee  thanks,  O  God  ! 

We  give  Thee  thanks ;  Thy  Name  is  near, 
As  Thy  wondrous  works    declare. 

2  For  Thou  sayest,  "  I  seize  the  set  time , 

I,  that  give  judgment  in  equity ; 

3  When  the  earth  dissolveth,  and  all  that  dwell  in  it. 

It  is  I  that  adjust  the  pillars  thereof.     [Selah.] 

4  I  say  to  the  boastful,  '  Boast  not ; ' 

And  to  the  wicked,  '  Lift  not  up  the  horn : 

5  Lift  not  up  your  horn  on  high, 

Nor  speak  insolently.'  " 

108 


6  For  the  cast  availcth  not,  nor  the  west, 

Nor  the  wilderness  of  mountains; 

7  But  God  is  the  Judge; 

One  He  bringeth  low,  and  another  He  exalteth. 

8  For  there  is  a  cup  in  the  hand  of  Jehovah, 

And  the  wine  is  brisk  ; 
It  is  well  mingled,  and  of  this  He  poureth  out: 
Surel)'  the  dregs  thereof, 

All  the  wicked  of  the  earth  shall  fully  drain. 

9  But  as  for  me,  I  will  proclaim  for  ever, 

I  will  praise  upon  the  harp   the  God  of  Israel. 
10     All  the  horns  of  the  wicked  will  I  smite  down, 

But  the  horns  of  the  rierhteous  shall  be  exalted. 


SEVENTY-SIXTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,     upon  stringed  instruments,     a  psalm  of 
asaph.     a  song.] 

N  Judah  God  is  known  ; 

His  Name  is  great  in  Israel. 

2   In  Salem  is  His  retreat , 

His  dwelling  place  in  Zion. 

There  He  scattered  the  flashing  bolts  of  the  bow , 

The  shield,  and  the  sword,  and  the  battle. 

[Selah.] 
Glorious  art  Thou,  and  lordly, 

Descending  from  the  mountains  of  prey. 
The  stouthearted  are  become  a  spoil ; 

They  sank  into  their  deepest  slumber, 
And  none  of  the  valiant  found  their  hands. 
At  Thy  rebuke,  O  God  of  Jacob  ! 

Stupor  hath  fallen  on  chariot  and  horse. 

109 


7  Thou,  yea,  Thou,  art  to  be  feared  ; 

Who  can  stand  before  Thee  when  once  Thou  art 
angry  ? 

8  From  heaven  didst  Thou  proclaim  Thy  sentence ; 

The  earth  feared  and  was  still, 

9  When  God  arose  to  judgment, 

To  save  all  the  meek  of  the  earth.     [Selah.] 

10  Surely  the  wrath  of  man  getteth  Thee  praise ; 

With  wrath  that  exceedeth  dost  Thou  gird  Thee. 

1 1  Make  vows  and  fulfill  them  to  Jehovah  your  God  ; 
All  ye  that  are  around  Him 

Bring  presents  to  Him  that  is  to  be  feared. 

12  He  breaketh  the  spirit  of  princes ; 

He  is  terrible  to  the  kinfjs  of  the  earth. 


SEVENTY-SEVENTH 

[for  1  he  chief  musician.       upon  JEDUTHUN.       by  ASAPH.       A  PS.\LM.] 

lift  my  voice  unto  God,  and  will  cry ; 
I  lift  my  voice  unto  God  ; 

Oh  that  He  Avould  give  ear  to  me ! 

2  In  the  day  of  my  distress,  I  seek  the  Lord  ; 
My  hand  is  stretched  forth  in  the  night, 

And  is  not  withdrawn  ; 
My  soul  refuseth  to  be  comforted. 

3  When  I  remember  God,  I  must  moan ; 

When  I  give  way  to  my  thoughts,  my  spirit 
languisheth. 

4  Thou  boldest  mine  eyes  upon  the  watch ; 

I  toss  about,  and  am  speechless : 

5  I  think  of  the  days  of  old— 

Of  the  years  of  far  off  times. 

no 


6  I  will  recall  my  song  in  the  night ; 

I  will  conimune  with  mine  own  heart, 

And  my  spirit  maketh  diligent  search  : 

7  "  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  for  ever? 

Will  He  be  favourable  no  more? 

8  Kath  His  lovingkindness  ceased  for  ever? 

Hath  His  promise  failed  for  evermore? 

9  Hath  the  Almighty  forgotten  to  be  gracious? 

Hath  He  in  anger  shut  up  His  tender  mercies?  " 

[Selah.] 

10  And  I  said  :  "  This  is  my  misery. 

That  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High  is  changed. 

1 1  I  remember  the  deeds  of  Jehovah  ; 

Yea,  I  will  recall  Thy  wonders  of  old. 

12  I  will  meditate  on  all  Thy  works; 

I  will  consider  Thy  doings. 

1 3  O  God  !  Thy  way  is  in  holiness  ; 

What  mighty  one  is  great  like  God  ? 

14  Thou  art  the  Mighty  One  that  doest  wonders ; 

Thou  hast  shown  Thy  strength  among  the  nations. 

15  With  uplifted  arm  didst  Thou  redeem  Thy  people, 

The  sons  of  Jacob  and  of  Joseph."     [Selah.] 

16  The  waters  saw  Thee,  O  God  ! 

The  waters  saw  Thee,  and  were  in  anguish  : 
Yea,  the  depths  were  troubled. 

17  The  clouds  poured  out  water; 

The  sj-cies  gave  their  voice  ; 
Yea,  verily,  Thine  arrows  flashed  about ; 

18  The  voice  of  Thy  thunder  rolled  along  ; 

Thy  lightnings  lighted  up  the  world  ; 
The  earth  shook  and  trembled. 

Ill 


19     Thy  way  was  in  the  sea, 

Thy  paths  in  the  great  waters, 
And  Thy  footsteps  were  not  known  ; 
ZO     Thou  leddest  Thy  people  Hke  a  flock 
By  the  hand  of  Moses  and  Aaron. 


SEVENTY-EIGHTH 

[mASKIL  of  ASAPH.] 

IVE  ear,  O  my  people  !  to  my  law : 

Incline  your  ears  to  the  words  of  my  mouth. 
2  I  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  parable ; 
I  will  pour  forth  the  oracles  of  old  ; 

3  The  things    we  have  heard  and  known, 

And  our  fathers  have  told  us — 

4  We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children  ; 

But  will  tell  an  after  generation  the  glorious  deeds  of 
Jehovah, 
His  power,  and  the  wonders  He  hath  wrought. 

5  For  He  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob ; 

He  appointed  a  law  for  Israel ; 
Which  He  commanded  our  fathers 

To  make  known  unto  their  children : 

6  That  the  generation  to  come  might  know, 

Even  the  children  that  should  be  born ; 
Who  should  arise  and  tell  their  children : 


7     That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God , 
And  not  forget  the  deeds  of  the  Almighty, 
But  keep  His  commandments : 


112 


8  And  might  not  become  like  their  fathers, 

A  stubborn  and  rebellious  generation  ; 
A  generation  that  set  not  its  heart  aright, 

And  whose  spirit  was  not  steadfast  with  GOD. 

9  The  sons  of  Ephraim,  archers  equipped  with  the  bow, 

Turned  back  in  the  day  of  battle. 

10  The}-  kept  not  the  covenant  of  God, 

And  refused  to  walk  in  His  law; 

11  And  they  forgat  His  doings, 

His  wondrous  works  that  He  had  shown  them. 

12  In  the  sight  of  their  fathers  He  wrought  marvels, 

In  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  field  of  Zoan. 

13  He  clave  the  sea,  and  let  them  pass  through. 

And  made  the  waters  stand  as  a  heap. 

14  He  led  them  with  a  cloud  by  day. 

And  all  the  night  with  the  light  of  fire. 

15  He  clave  rocks  in  the  wilderness  , 

And  gave  them  drink  like  the  depths  abundantly  ; 

16  Yea,  He  brought  forth  streams  out  of  the  cliff, 

And  caused  waters  to  flow  down  like  a  river. 

17  Yet  went  they  on  still  sinning  against  Him, 

Rebelling  against  the  Most  High  in  the  desert: 

18  And  they  tempted  the  Almighty  in  their  heart, 

In  asking  food  for  their  craving. 

19  Yea,  they  spake  against  God  ; 

They  said,  "  Can  the  Almighty  prepare  a  table  in 
the  wilderness? 

20  — Lo,  He  smote  a  rock,  and  the  waters  gushed  out. 

And  torrents  dashed  along  ; — 
But  is  He  also  able  to  give  bread? 

Can  He  provide  flesh  for  His  people?" 

113 


21  Therefore,  Jehovah  heard,  and  was  wroth, 
And  fire  was  kindled  against  Jacob ; 

Yea,  anger  went  up,  even  against  Israel ; 

22  Because  they  believed  not  in  God, 

Nor  trusted  in  His  saving  power. 

23  Yet  He  commanded  the  skies  above, 

And  opened  the  doors  of  heaven  ; 

24  He  rained  upon  them  manna  to  eat. 

And  gave  them  of  the  grain  of  heaven; 

25  Man  did  eat  the  bread  of  the  mighty; 

He  sent  them  food  to  the  full. 

26  He  led  forth  an  east  wind  in  the  heavens, 

And  guided  by  His  power  a  south  wind  : 

27  He  rained  upon  them  flesh  as  the  dust. 

Winged  fowl  as  the  sand  of  the  seas  ; 

28  Which  He  let  fall  within  the  circuit  of  their  camp, 

Round  about  their  habitations. 

29  So  they  did  eat  and  were  well  filled ; 

Yea,  that  which  they  craved  He  brought  to  them. 

30  But  their  desire  was  yet  unappeased, 

Their  food  was  still  in  their  mouth, 

31  When  the  anger  of  God  rose  against  them  , 

And  He  slew  the  fattest  of  them  ; 
He  smote  down  the  young  men  of  Israel. 

32  Yet  for  all  this  they  sinned  still ; 

They  believed  not  in  His  wonders  : 

33  And  He  made  their  days  vanish  as  a  breath, 

Their  years  in  sudden  terror. 

34  When  He  slew  them,  they  enquired  after  Him  : 

They  returned  and  sought  God  earnestly : 

114 


35  They  remembered  that  God  was  their  Rock, 

The  Mighty  God,  the  Most  Higli,  their  Redeemer. 

36  But  tliey  deceived  Him  with  their  lips; 

And  lied  unto  Him  with  their  tongue. 

37  For  their  heart  was  not  steadfast  with  Him, 

Neither  were  they  faithful  in  His  covenant. 

38  Nevertheless  He  is  full  of  compassion  ; 

He  forgiveth  iniquity  and  destroyeth  not ; 
And  He  ofttimes  turneth  away  His  anger, 
And  arouseth  not  all  His  wrath. 

39  He  remembered  that  they  were  flesh — 

A  breath  that  passeth  away,  and  returneth  not. 

40  How  oft  did  they  rebel  against  Him  in  the  desert! 

How  oft  did  they  vex  Him  in  the  wilderness! 

41  Again  and  again  they  tempted  the  Almighty, 

And  grieved  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

42  They  remembered  not  His  hand, 

Nor  the  day  He  redeemed  them  from  the  enemy: 

43  How  He  had  wrought  His  signs  in  Egypt, 

His  wonders  in  the  country  of  Zoan  ; 

44  He  turned  into  blood  their  streams  from  the  Nile, 

And  they  could  not  drink  of  their  floods. 

45  He  sent  among  them  flies,  that  devoured  them, 

And  frogs  that  destroyed  them. 

46  He  gave  their  increase  to  the  grasshopper, 

And  their  labour  to  the  locust. 

47  He  killed  their  vines  with  hailstones. 

And  their  sycamores  with  frost. 

48  He  gave  over  their  cattle  to  the  hail, 

And  their  flocks  to  the  lightnings. 

115 


49  He  let  loose  upon  them  His  burning  anger  , 

Wrath,  and  indignation,  and  distress — 
An  embassy  of  messengers  of  evil. 

50  He  levelled  a  path  for  His  anger; 
He  spared  not  their  soul  from  death, 

But  gave  up  their  life  to  the  pestilence. 

51  He  smote  all  the  firstborn  of  Egypt, 

The  firstlings  of  strength  in  the  tents  of  Ham. 

52  Then  He  led  forth  His  people  as  sheep, 

And  guided  them  in  the  wilderness  like  a  flock. 

53  He  led  them  safely,  and  they  feared  not  , 

But  the  sea  overwhelmed  their  enemies. 

54  He  brought  them  to  His  holy  border, 

To  this  mountain  which  His  right  hand  had  gained, 

55  He  drove  out  the  nations  before  them  , 

Whose  inheritance  He  apportioned  by  measure  ; 
And  made  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  dwell  in  thefr  tents. 

56  Yet  they  tempted  and  rebelled  against  God  Most  High, 

And  they  kept  not  His  testimonies: 

57  But  revolted  and  dealt  treacherously  like  their  fathers ; 

They  turned  aside  like  a  deceitful  bow. 

58  For  they  angered  Him  with  their  high  places, 

And  made  Him  jealous  with  their  graven  images. 

59  God  heard,  and  He  was  wroth. 

And  greatly  abhorred  Israel. 

60  So  He  forsook  the  tabernacle  of  Shiloh, 

The  tent  which  He  had  pitched  among  men; 

61  And  gave  His  majesty  to  be  held  captive, 

His  glory  into  the  hand  of  the  oppressor. 

62  He  gave  His  people  over  to  the  sword. 

And  was  wroth  with  His  inheritance. 

116 


6i     Fire  devoured  their  young  men, 

And  their  maidens  had  no  marriage-song. 

64  Their  priests  fell  by  the  sword, 

And  their  widows  made  no  lament. 

65  Then  the  Lord  awaked  as  out  of  sleep, 

Like  a  warrior  shouting  from  wine  : 

66  He  smote  back  their  oppressors  ; 

He  put  them  to  everlasting  reproach. 

67  Yet  He  rejected  the  tent  of  Joseph, 

And  chose  not  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  ; 

68  But  He  chose  the  tribe  of  Judah, 

The  Mount  Zion  which  He  loved. 

69  He  built  His  sanctuary  like  the  heights  of  heaven  , 

Like  the  earth  which  He  hath  founded  for  ever : 

70  And  He  chose  David  His  servant, 

And  took  him  from  the  sheepfolds ; 

71  From  tending  the  milk-giving  ewes  He  brought  him, 
To  be  shepherd  over  Jacob  His  people. 

Over  Israel  His  inheritance. 

72  So  he  cared  for  them  in  the  integrity  of  his  heart, 

And  guided  them  by  the  skill  of  his  hands. 


SEVENTY-NINTH 

God  !  the  nations  have  come  into  Thine  inheri- 
tance ; 
They  have  defiled  Thy  holy  temple ; 
They  have  laid  Jerusalem  in  ruins. 
2     They  have  given  the  dead  bodies  of  Thy  servants 
To  be  food  for  the  birds  of  heaven  , 
The  flesh  of  Thy  beloved  to  the  wild  beasts  of  the  earth. 

117 


3  Their  blood  have  they  shed  about  Jerusalem  like  water , 

And  there  was  none  to  bury  them. 

4  We  have  come  to  be  reviled  by  our  neighbours ; 

We  are  a  scoff  and  a  jest  to  those  around  us. 

5  How  long,  O  Jehovah! 

Wilt  Thou  be  angry  for  ever? 
How  long  shall  Thy  jealousy  burn  like  fire? 

6  Pour  Thy  wrath  upon  the  nations  that  know  Thee  not, 

Upon  the  kingdoms  that  call  not  on  Thy  Name. 

7  For  they  have  devoured  Jacob, 

And  his  pastures  have  they  laid  waste. 

8  Remember  not  against  us  the  guilt  of  our  fathers ; 
Let  Thy  mercies  speedily  come  to  meet  us ; 

For  we  are  brought  very  low. 

9  Help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation  ! 

For  the  glory  of  Thy  Name ; 
Yea,  deliver  us,  and  cover  our  sins. 
For  Thy  Name's  sake. 

10  Why  should  the  nations  say,  "Where  is  their  God?" 
Let  the  avenging  of  Thy  servants'  blood  which  is  shed, 

Be  known  among  the  nations  in  our  sight. 

1 1  Let  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner  come  before  Thee  ; 
According  to  the  greatness  of  Thy  power. 

Preserve  Thou  those  that  are  appointed  to  die : 

12  And  render  sevenfold  into  the  bosom  of  our  neigh- 

bours. 
Their  reviling,  O  Lord  !  wherewith  they  have  re- 
viled Thee. 

13  So  we,  Thy  people,  and  the  flock  of  Thy  shepherd  care, 

Will  give  Thee  thanks  for  ever ; 
Unto  all  generations  will  we  recount  Thy  praise. 

118 


EIGHTIETH 

^FOR  THE  CHIEF  MUSICIAN.       SET   TO    "  SIIOSHANNIM-EDUTH."      BY    ASAPH. 

A  rSALM.] 

IVE  car,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel ! 

Thou  that  leadest  Joseph  like  a  flock  ! 
Throned  above  the  cherubim,  shine  forth  ! 

2  Before  Ephraim,  and  Benjamin,  and  Manasseh, 

Arouse  Thy  miq;ht, 
And  come  Thou  for  our  salvation. 

3  O  God  !  restore  us  again  ; 

Cause  Thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

4  O  Jehovah,  God  of  Hosts! 

How  long  wilt  Thou  be  angry  at  Thy  people's 
prayer? 

5  Thou  givest  them  to  eat,  weeping  as  bread ; 

And  to  drink,  tears  in  full  measure. 

6  Thou  makest  us  a  strife  to  our  neighbours, 

And  our  enemies  hold  us  in  derision. 

7  O  God  of  Hosts  !  restore  us  again  ; 

Cause  Thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

8  Thou  broughtest  a  vine  out  of  Egypt, 

Driving  out  the  nations,  and  planting  it. 

9  Thou  madest  room  before  it. 

And  it  took  deep  root,  and  filled  the  land. 

10  The  mountains  were  covered  by  its  shade, 

And  by  its  boughs,  the  cedars  of  God. 

1 1  It  sent  forth  its  branches  unto  the  sea. 

And  unto  the  river,  its  fresh  shoots. 

12  Why  hast  Thou  broken  down  its  walls. 

So  that  all  pluck  it  that  pass  by  the  way? 

119 


13  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth  ravage  it ; 

And  the  rovers  of  the  field  feed  on  it. 

14  O  God  of  Hosts  !  return,  we  beseech  Thee  ; 
Look  forth  from  heaven,  and  behold, 

And  visit  this  vine  : 

1 5  And  protect  what  Thy  right  hand  planted. 

The  branch  Thou  madest  strong  for  Thyself. 

16  It  is  burnt  with  fire ;  it  is  cut  down — 

At  the  rebuke  of  Thy  countenance  they  perish. 

17  Cover  with  Thy  hand  the  man  of  Thy  right  hand, 

The  son  of  man  Thou  madest  strong  for  Thyself. 

18  Then  shall  we  not  fall  away  from  Thee ; 

Oh  revive  us,  and  we  will  call  upon  Thy  Name. 

19  O  Jehovah!  God  of  Hosts!  restore  us  again; 
Cause  Thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be  saved  I 

EIGHTY-FIRST 

[for  the  chief  musician.       upon  the  GITTITH.       by  ASAPH.] 

JING  for  joy  unto  God,  our  Strength  ; 
Shout  unto  the  God  of  Jacob. 
2  Raise  a  psalm,  and  strike  the  timbrel. 
The  pleasant  harp  in  accord  with  the  lute  of  ten 
strings. 

3  Blow  the  cornet  at  the  new  moon. 

At  the  full  moon,  on  the  day  of  our  feast. 

4  For  it  is  a  statute  for  Israel, 

An  ordinance  of  the  God  of  Jacob ; 

5  He  appointed  it  in  Joseph  as  a  testimony, 

When  He  went  forth  over  the  land  of  Egypt ; 

"  I  hear  language  that  I  know  not. 

6  I  remove  his  shoulder  from  the  burden  ; 

His  hands  shall  be  free  from  the  task-basket." 

120 


7  When  thou  calledst  in  thy  distress,  I  delivered  thee : 
I  answered  thee  from  the  hiding  place  of  thunder ; 

I  proved  thee  by  the  waters  of  Meribah.    [Selah.] 

8  "  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  admonish  thee : 

O  Israel !  if  thou  wouklst  hearken  unto  Me  ! 

9  Let  no  strange  God  be  with  thee, 

And  worship  not  the  God  of  the  alien. 

10  I  am  Jehovah,  ihy  God, 

That  brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ; 
Open  thy  mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill  it." 

1 1  But  My  people  hearkened  not  unto  My  voice, 

And  Israel  did  not  incline  unto  Me. 

12  So  I  let  them  go,  in  the  stubbornness  of  their  heart, 

That  they  might  walk  in  their  own  counsels. 

13  Oh  that  My  people  Would  hear  Me, 

That  Israel  would  walk  in  My  ways  ! 

14  Right  soon  would  I  subdue  their  adversaries, 

And  turn  My  hand  against  their  oppressors. 

15  The  enemies  of  Jehovah  should  crouch  before  Him, 

But  these  should  have  continuance  for  ever ; 

16  He  would  feed  them  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat. 

And  with  honey  out  of  the  rock  would  He  satisfy 
them. 


EIGHTY-SECOND 

[a  rSALM  OF  ASAPH.] 

OD  standeth  in  the  assembly  of  the  mighty; 

In  the  midst  of  the  gods  He  judgeth  : 
2  "  How  long  will  ye  judge  wrongfully. 
And  respect  the  persons  of  the  wicked  ?     [Selah.] 

121 


3  Do  justice  to  the  wretched  and  the  orphan  ; 

With  the  suffering  and  destitute  deal  righteously. 

4  Deliver  the  wretched  and  needy  ; 

Out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked  rescue  them. 

5  "  They  know  not,  neither  do  they  understand  ; 

They  walk  about  in  darkness : 
All  the  foundations  of  the  earth  are  shaken. 

6  I  said,    '  Ye  are  gods  ; 

And  sons  of  the  Most  High  are  ye  all.' 

7  Nevertheless  ye  shall  die  like  men, 

And  shall  fall  as  one  of  the  princes." 

8  Arise,  O  God  !  in  judgment  upon  the  earth; 

For  it  is  Thine  to  possess  all  the  nations. 

EIGHTY-THIRD 

[a  song.       a  psalm  of  ASAPH.] 

God  !  keep  not  Thou  silence  ; 

Hold  not  Thy  peace,  and  be  not  still,  O  God  ! 
2  For,  lo.  Thine  enemies  are  in  tumult. 
And  Thy  foes  carry  high  their  head. 

3  They  combine  craftily  against  Thy  people ; 

They  are  in  council  against  Thy  hidden  ones. 

4  They  say,  "  Come,  let  us  blot  them  from  the  nations  ; 

Let  the  name  of  Israel  be  remembered  no  more." 

5  For  they  counsel  together  with  one  mind  ; 

They  are  in  confederacy  against  Thee ; 

6  The  tents  of  Edom  and  the  Ishmaelites ; 

Moab,  and  the  Hagarenes ; 

7  Gebal  and  Ammon,  and  Amalek  ; 

Philistia  with  the  inhabitants  of  Tyre ; 

122 


8  Yea,  Assyria  hath  joined  with  them  ; 

They  lend  their  arm  to  the  children  of  Lot. 

[Selah.] 

9  Do  unto  them  as  unto  Midian  ; 

As  to  Sisera,  as  to  Jabin,  at  the  river  Kishon  : 

10  They  were  destroyed  at  En-dor: 

They  became  as  dung  for  the  earth. 

1 1  Make  their  nobles  like  Oreb  and  Zeeb  , 

And  all  their  princes  like  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  ; 

12  Who  said,  "  Let  us  take  into  our  possession 

The  habitations  of  God." 

13  O  my  God  !  make  them  like  the  whirling  dust, 

And  as  the  chaff  before  the  wind. 

14  As  the  fire  consumeth  the  forest, 

As  the  flame  enkindleth  the  mountains, 

15  So  pursue  them  with  Thy  tempest, 

And  terrify  them  with  Thy  storm. 

16  Fill  their  faces  with  confusion, 

That  they  may  seek  Thy  Name,  O  Jehovah ! 

17  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  terrified  for  ever; 

Yea,  let  them  be  abashed  and  perish : 

18  And  let  them  know  that  Thou, 

Whose  name  is  Jehovah,  Thou  alone, 
Art  the  Most  Hitrh  over  all  the  earth. 


123 


EIGHTY-FOURTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,    upon  the  gittith.    by  the  sons  of  korah. 

A    PSALM.] 

OW  lovely  are  Thy  tabernacles, 

O  Jehovah  of  Hosts  ! 
2  My    soul    longeth,  yea,  even    pineth    for   the 
courts  of  Jehovah  ; 
My  heart  and  my  flesh  sing  their  joy  in  the  living 
God. 

3  Even  the  bird  findeth  a  home, 

The  swallow  hath  a  nest  where  she  putteth  her 
young — 
Oh  for  Thine  altars,  Jehovah  of  Hosts ! 

My  King  and  my  God  ! 

4  O  the  blessedness  of  those  that  dwell  in  Thy  house, 

Who  are  continually  praising  Thee  !     [Selah.] 

5  O   the   blessedness  of   the   men  whose  strength  is  in 

Thee, 
In  whose  heart  are  the  highways  to  Zion  ! 

6  Passing  through  the  valley  of  Baca, 

They  make  it  a  place  of  fountains  ; 
Yea,  the  early  rain  mantleth  it  with  blessings. 

7  They  go  forward  from  strength  to  strength  , 

Till  each  appeareth  before  God  in  Zion  : 

8  "  O  Jehovah  !  God  of  Hosts  !  hear  my  prayer  ! 

Give  ear,  O  God  of  Jacob  !  "     [Selah.] 

9  Behold,  O  God,  our  Shield  ! 

Yea,  look  upon  the  face  of  Thine  anointed, 
lo     For  a  day  in  Thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand  ; 
I  would  w^ait  at  the  threshold  in  the  house  of  my  God, 
Rather  than  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness. 

124 


11  For  Jehovah  God  is  a  sun  and  a  shield  ; 
Jehovah  giveth  favour  and  glory; 

No  good  thing  will  He  withhold  from  those  that 
Avalk  uprightly. 

12  Jehovah  of  Hosts! 

O  the  blessedness  of  the  man  that  trusteth  in  Thee  ! 


EIGHTY-FIFTH 

[for  the  chief  musician,     by  the  sons  of  korah.     a  psalm.] 

HOU  hast  shown  favour,  O  Jehovah  !  unto  Thy 
land  : 
Thou  hast  returned  to  the  captives  of  Jacob. 

2  Thou  hast  lifted  off  the  guilt  of  Thy  people  ; 

Thou  hast  covered  all  their  sin. 

3  Thou  hast  withdrawn  all  Thy  wrath ; 

Thou  hast  turned  from  the  heat  of  Thine  anger. 

4  Return  unto  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation  ! 

And  cause  Thine  indignation  toward  us  to  cease. 

5  Wilt  Thou  be  angry  with  us  for  ever? 

Wilt  Thou  draw  out  Thine  anger  to  all  generations  ? 

6  Wilt  not  Thou  give  back  to  us  our  life. 

That  Thy  people  may  rejoice  in  Thee  ? 

7  Show  us,  O  Jehovah  !  Thy  lovingkindness, 

And  grant  us  Thy  salvation. 

8  I  will  hear  what  Jehovah,  the  Almighty,  speaketh  ; 
For  He  speaketh  peace  to  His  people  whom  He  loveth; 

But  let  them  not  return  unto  folly. 

9  Surely  His  salvation  is  nigh  those  that  fear  Him, 

That  glory  may  dwell  in  our  land. 

125 


10  Lovingkindness  and  truth  have  met  together; 

Righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each  other. 

1 1  Truth  springcth  out  of  the  earth  ; 

And  righteousness  looketh  forth  from  heaven. 

12  Yea,  Jehovah  will  bestow  blessings, 

And  our  land  shall  yield  its  increase. 
^3      Righteousness  shall  go  before  Him, 

And  shall  set  us  in  the  way  of  His  steps. 


EIGHTY-SIXTH 

[a    prayer.       1!Y  DAVID.] 

NCLINE  Thine  ear,  O  Jehovah  !  and  answer  me  , 

For  I  am  suffering  and  needy. 
2  Preserve  my  soul ,  for  I  am  one  Thou  lovest ; 
O  Thou  my  God  ! 

Save  Thy  servant  that  trusteth  in  Thee. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  me,  O  Lord ! 

For  unto  Thee  do  I  call  all  the  day  long. 

4  Rejoice  the  soul  of  Thy  servant , 

For  unto  Thee,  O  Lord  !  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

5  For  Thou,  Lord !  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive, 
And  plenteous  in  lovingkindness 

Unto  all  that  call  upon  Thee. 

6  Give  ear,  O  Jehovah  !  to  my  prayer. 

And  attend  to  my  suppliant  voice. 

7  In  the  day  of  my  tribulation, 

I  call  Thee,  for  Thou  wilt  answer  me. 

126 


8  None  is  like  Thee  among  the  gods,  O  Lord  ! 

Neither  are  their  works  to  be  compared  with  Thine. 

9  All  the  nations  which  Thou  hast  made 

Shall  come,  O  Lord  !  and  worship  before  Thee ; 
And  they  shall  give  gIor\-  unto  Thy  Name. 

10  For  Thou  art  great,  and  doest  wonders  ; 

Thou  art  God  alone. 

1 1  Teach  me,  O  Jehovah  !  Thy  way: 
I  will  walk  in  Thy  truth  ; 

Unite  my  heart  to  fear  Thy  Name. 

12  I  will  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  my  God, 

With  my  whole  heart ; 
I  will  glorify  Thy  Name  for  evermore. 

13  For  great  is  Thy  lovingkindness  toward  me  ; 

Thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  the  depths  of 
the  underworld. 

14  O  God  !  the  proud  have  risen  against  me  ; 
The  assembly  of  the  violent  seek  after  my  life, 

And  have  not  set  Thee  before  them. 

15  But  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  the  mighty  GOD,  compassion- 

ate and  gracious ; 
Longsuffering,  and  plenteous  in  lovingkindness  and 
truth. 

16  Turn  Thee  unto  me,  and  show  me  favour ; 
Give  Thy  strength  unto  Thy  servant, 

And  save  the  son  of  Thy  handmaid. 

17  Show  me  a  token  for  good  ; 

That  those  who  see  it  may  be  ashamed  ; 

Because  Thou,  O  Jehovah !  hast  helped  and  com- 
forted me. 

*  127 


EIGHTY-SEVENTH 

[by  the  sons  of  korah.     a  psalm,     a  song.] 

E  hath  founded  His  city 

Upon  the  holy  mountains. 
2  Jehovah  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion 

More  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 

3  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee, 

Thou  city  of  God  !     [Selah.] 

4  "I  proclaim  Rahab  and  Babylon 

As  among  those  that  know  me ; 
Lo,  Philistia  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia, 

Each  of  them  was  born  there." 

5  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  declared  : 

"  Each  and  every  one  was  born  in  her." 
And  the  Most  High  Himself  shall  establish  her. 

6  Jehovah  will  write,  when  He  enrolleth  the  nations: 

'^This  one  was  born  there,"     [Selah.] 

7  And  the  singers  will  sing,  with  the  dancers, 

"All  my  fountains  are  in  thee  !  " 

EIGHTY-EIGHTH 

[a  song,     a  psalm  of  the  sons  of  korah.     for  the  chief  musician. 
SET  to  "  mahalath  leannoth."    maskil  of  heman  the  ezrahite.] 

Jehovah,  God  of  my  salvation  ! 

I  cry  day  and  night  before  Thee. 
2  Let  my  prayer  come  into  Thy  presence ; 
Incline  Thine  ear  unto  my  wailing. 
For  my  soul  is  full  of  suffering, 

And  my  life  draweth  near  to  the  underworld. 
I  am  counted  with  those  that  go  down  into  the  pit ; 
I  have  become  like  a  man  whose  strength  is  gone; 

128  *■ 


5  Discharged  among  the  dead, 

Like  the  slain  that  He  in  the  grave, 

Whom  Thou  remembcrest  no  more ; 
As  those  that  are  cut  off  from  Thy  hand. 

6  Thou  hast  laid  me  in  the  lowest  pit. 

In  dark  places — in  the  deptlis  of  the  sea. 

7  Thy  wrath  presscth  on  me  heavily, 

And  with  all  Thy  billows  Thou  ovcrwhclmest  me. 

[Sclah.] 

8  Thou  hast  removed  from  me  my  familiar  friends : 
Thou  hast  made  me  an  abomination  to  them  ; 

I  am  shut  up  and  cannot  come  forth. 

9  Mine  eye  is  dissolved  through  suffering; 
O  Jehovah  !   I  call  upon  Thee  daily, 

I  stretch  out  my  hands  unto  Thee. 

10  Wilt  Thou  do  wonders  unto  the  dead  ? 

Or  shall  the  shades  arise  and  praise  Thee  ?     [Selah.] 

1 1  Shall  Thy  lo\nngkindness  be  told  in  the  grave  ? 

Or  Thy  faithfulness  in  destruction  ? 

12  Shall  Thy  w'onders  be  know^n  in  the  dark? 

And  Thy  righteousness  in  the  land  of  forgetf ulness  ? 

13  But  I — O  Jehovah  !  I  cry  unto  Thee  for  help  ; 

In  the  morning  my  prayer  cometh  before  Thee. 

14  Why,  O  Jehovah  !  wilt  Thou  cast  off  my  soul  ? 

Why  wilt  Thou  hide  from  me  Thy  face  ? 

15  I  am  suffering  and  expiring  from  my  youth  ; 

While  I  suffer  Thy  terrors  I  am  distracted. 

16  Thy  fierce  anger  hath  passed  over  me  ; 

Thy  horrors  have  destroyed  me  ; 

17  They  surround  me  like  waters  all  the  day  long, 

They  compass  me  about  altogether. 

129 


i8     Lover  and  companion  hast  Thou  put  far  from  me  ; 
My  familiar  friends  in  the  place  of  darkness. 


EIGHTY-NINTH 

[mASKIL  of  ETHAN  THE  EZRAHITE.] 

will  ever  sing  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah; 
From  generation  to  generation, 

Will  I  proclaim  Thy  faithfulness. 

2  For  I  know  that  lovingkindness  is  built  up  for  ever; 

Thou  wilt  establish  Thy  faithfulness  in  the  heavens. 

3  I  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  chosen, 

I  have  sworn  unto  David  my  servant ; 

4  "  For  ever  will  I  establish  thy  seed, 

And  build  up  thy  throne  to  all  generations." 

[Selah.] 

5  The  heavens  shall  praise  Thy  wonders,  O  Jehovah. 

Yea,  Thy  faithfulness  in  the  assembly  of  the  holy. 

6  For  who  in  the  skies  can  be  compared  unto  Jehovah? 

Who  is  like  Jehovah  of  the  sons  of  the  mighty? 

7  He  is  God,  very  terrible  in  the  council  of  the  holy, 

To  be  feared  above  all  that  surround  Him. 

8  O  Jehovah,  God  of  Hosts ! 

Who  is  like  unto  Thee,  Thou  mighty  Jehovah, 
With  Thy  faithfulness  round  about  Thee  ? 

9  It  is  Thou  that  rulest  the  majesty  of  the  sea  ; 

When  its  billows  arise,  Thou  stillest  them. 
10     Thou  hast  crushed  Rahab,  as  one  that  is  slain ; 

With  Thy  mighty  arm  hast  Thou  scattered  Thy  foes. 

no 


1 1  Thine  arc  the  heavens,  and  Thine  is  the  earth  ; 

The  world  and  its  fuhiess,  TiTOU  hast  founded  them. 

12  The  north  and  the  south,  TllOU  hast  created  them  ; 

Tabor  and  Hermon  sing  for  joy  in  Thy  Name. 

13  Thine  is  the  arm  that  hath  power; 

Strong  is  Thy  hand,  and  high  Thy  right  hand. 

14  Justice  and  right  are  the  pillars  of  Thy  throne  ; 
Lovingkindness  and  truth  stand  waiting  before  Thee. 

15  Blest  are  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  sound  ; 
They  walk,  O  Jehovah  !  in  the  light  of  Thy  presence  : 

16  They  rejoice  in  Thy  Name  all  the  day  long, 

And  in  Thy  righteousness  they  are  exalted. 

17  For  Thou  art  the  glory  of  their  strength. 

And  in  Thy  favour  their  horn  is  exalted. 

18  For  to  Jehovah  belongeth  our  shield. 

And  our  king,  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

19  Once  Thou  spakest  in  vision  to  Thy  beloved; 

"  I  have  given  help  to  one  that  is  mighty; 
I  have  exalted  one  chosen  from  the  people. 

20  I  have  found  David  my  servant ; 

With  My  holy  oil  have  I  anointed  him : 

21  With  whom  My  hand  shall  be  steadfast. 

And  Mine  arm  shall  strengthen  him. 

22  "No  enemy  shall  exact  upon  him. 

Nor  a  son  of  iniquity  oppress  him. 

23  I  will  beat  down  before  him  his  adversaries, 

And  those  that  hate  him,  will  I  smite. 

24  "My  faithfulness  and  lovingkindness  shall  be  with  him. 

And  in  My  Name  his  horn  shall  be  exalted, 

131 


25  I  will  set  his  hand  upon  the  seas, 

And  his  right  hand  upon  the  rivers. 

26  "  He  shall  call  unto  me  :  '  Thou  art  my  Father, 

My  Mighty  God,  the  Rock  of  my  salvation.' 

27  I,  verily,  will  make  him  My  first-born, 

The  highest  of  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

28  My  lovingkindness  will  I  keep  for  him  for  evermore, 

And  My  covenant  shall  stand  fast  with  him. 

29  I  will  make  his  seed  to  endure  for  ever. 

And  his  throne  as  the  days  of  heaven. 

30  "If  his  children  forsake  My  law. 

And  walk  not  in  Mine  ordinances ; 

31  If  they  profane  My  statutes. 

And  keep  not  My  commandments  ; 

32  Then  will  I  visit  their  transgression  with  the  rod. 

And  their  iniquity  with  stripes. 

33  **But  My  lovingkindness  will  I  not  break  ofi  from  him, 

And  will  not  dishonour  My  faithfulness. 

34  My  covenant  will  I  not  profane. 

Nor  alter  the  utterance  of  My  lips. 

35  "One  thing  have  I  sworn  by  My  holiness, 

Surely  I  will  not  deal  falsely  with  David : 

36  '  His  seed  shall  endure  for  ever. 

And  his  throne  as  the  sun  before  Me. 

37  It  is  established  for  ever,  as  the  moon, 

And  faithful  is  the  witness  in  the  sky! '  "  [Selah.] 

38  But  Thou  hast  rejected  us  with  loathing; 

Thou  art  wroth  with  Thine  anointed. 

132 


39  Thou  hast  abhorred  the  covenant  of  Thy  servant ; 

Thou  hast  profaned  his  crown  to  the  earth. 

40  Thou  hast  broken  down  all  his  hedges  ; 

Thou  hast  laid  his  strongholds  in  ruins. 

41  All  that  pass  by  the  way  plunder  him  ; 

He  is  become  a  scorn  to  his  neighbours. 

42  Thou  hast  exalted  the  right  hand  of  his  foes  ; 

Thou  hast  made  all  his  enemies  to  rejoice. 

43  Yea,  Thou  turnest  back  the  edge  of  his  sword, 

And  hast  not  made  him  stand  in  the  battle. 

44  Thou  hast  put  an  end  to  his  splendour, 

And  his  throne  hast  cast  down  to  the  earth. 

45  Thou  hast  cut  short  the  days  of  his  youth  ; 

Thou  hast  covered  him  with  shame.     [Selah.] 

46  How  long,  O  Jehovah !  Wilt  Thou  hide  Thee  for  ever? 

How  long  shall  Thy  wrath  burn  like  fire  ? 

47  Oh  remember  how  short  is  my  lifetime ; 

For  what  a  nothing  hast   Thou   created   all   the 
children  of  men  ! 

48  Is  there  a  man  that  shall  live  on,  and  not  see  death, 

Delivering  his  soul  from  the  power  of  the  under- 
world ?  [Selah.] 

49  Where  are  Thy  former  lovingkindnesses,  O  Lord  ! 

Wliich  Thou  swarest  unto  David  in  Thy  truth  ? 

50  Remember,  Lord  !  the  reviling  of  Thy  servants, 

The  burden  to  my  bosom  of  all  the  many  nations, 

51  Who  revile — they  are  Thine  enemies,  O  Jehovah  ! — 

Who  revile  the  footsteps  of  Thine  anointed. 

52  Blessed  be  Jehovah  for  evermore. 

Amen  and  Amen  ! 

133 


BOOK  IV. 


NINETIETH 


[a    prayer    of   MOSES,    THE   MAN    OF    GOD.] 

ORD !  Thou  art  our  refuge  in  all  generations. 
2  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth, 
Or  Thy  power  gave  birth  to  the  earth  and  the 
world, 
Through  the  everlasting  ages  Thou  art  God. 

3  Thou  bringest  mortals  back  to  the  dust  ; 

Thou  sayest,  "  Return,  ye  children  of  men." 

4  For  a  thousand  years  in  Thy  sight  are  like  yesterday 

as  it  passeth  away, 
And  like  a  watch  in  the  night. 

5  Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they  fall 

asleep  ; 
They  are   like    grass   that    springeth   afresh   in   the 
morning  ; 

6  In  the  morning,  it  springeth  afresh  and  bloometh  ; 

At  evening  it  is  cut  down  and  withereth. 

134 


7  For  we  are  consumed  by  Thine  anger  ; 

We  are  terrified  by  Thy  wrath. 

8  Thou  settest  our  iniquities  before  Thee  , 
The  things  we  have  concealed 

In  the  light  of  Thy  presence. 

9  For  all  our  days  turn  away  in  Thy  wra'th  ; 

Our  years  we  pass  off  like  a  sigh. 

10  Threescore  and  ten  are  the  years  of  our  life, 

Or,  if  our  strength  endure, 

They  may  be  fourscore  years  ; 
Yet  at  their  best,  they  are  toil  and  emptiness; 

For  they  pass  swiftly,  and  we  fly  away. 

11  Who  giveth  heed  to  the  might  of  Thine  anger, 

To  Thy  wrath  apportioned  to  the  fear  due  unto  Thee? 

12  So  teach  us  to  measure  our  days, 

That  we  may  attain  a  heart  of  wisdom. 

13  Return,  O  Jehovah  !  How  long? 

Have  compassion  upon  Thy  servants. 

14  Satisfy  us  in  the  morning  with  Thy  lovingkindness, 

That  we  may  sing  for  joy  and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

15  Make  us  glad  according  to  our  days  of  suffering — 

The  years  in  which  we  have  seen  evil. 

16  Let  Thy  work  appear  unto  Thy  servants. 

And  Thy  glorj^  over  their  children  ! 

17  Let  the  graciousness  of  Jehovah  our  God  be  upon  us, 
And  establish  in  our  possession  the  work  of  our  hands, 

Yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish. 


135 


NINETY-FIRST 

E  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High; 
He    shall    abide     under   the    shadow    of   the 
Almighty. 


2  I  will  say  to  Jehovah,  "  O  my  refuge  and  fortress, 

Thou  art  my  God,  in  whom  I  will  trust." 

3  Surely  He  will  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler, 

And  from  the  destroying  pestilence. 

4  He  will  cover  thee  with  His  pinions, 

And  under  His  wings  shalt  thou  find  refuge ; 
His  truth  is  a  shield  and  a  buckler. 

5  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror  by  night ; 

Nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day  ; 

6  Nor  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness ; 

Nor  for  the  sickness  that  wasteth  at  noonday. 

7  A  thousand  may  fall  at  thy  side, 

And  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand; 
But  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee  ; 

8  Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold, 

Thou  shalt  see  the  reward  of  the  wicked. 


9     **  For  Thou,  O  Jehovah!  art  my  refuge!  " 

Hast  thou  made  the  Most  High  thy  habitation? 

10  Then  no  evil  shall  befall  thee. 

Nor  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  tent ; 

11  For  He  shall  give  His  angels  charge  over  thee, 

That  they  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways ; 

12  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands, 

Lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone. 

136 


13  Thou  slialt  tread  upon  the  h'on  and  the  adder, 

The  young  Hon  and  the  serpent  shalt  thou  trample 
under  foot. 

14  Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  Me, 

Therefore  will  I  deliver  him  ; 
I  will  set  him  on  high,  for  he  knoweth  My  Name. 

15  He  shall  call  me,  and  I  will  answer  him  ; 

I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble; 
I  will  deliver  him,  and  honour  him  ; 

16  With  long  life  will  1  satisfy  him,     . 

And  will  show  him  My  salvation. 

NINETY-SECOND 

[a  psalm,  a  song  for  the  sabbath  day. "I 
T  is  good  to  give  thanks  to  Jehovah, 
And  to  make  melody  to  Thy  Name,  O  Most 
High  ! 

2  To  show  forth  Thy  lovingkindness  in  the  morning. 

And  Thy  faithfulness  every  night, 

3  With  the  ten  stringed  lute  and  the  psaltery , 

With  murmuring  sound  on  the  harp. 

4  For  Thou  hast  made  me  glad,  O  Jehovah!  by  Thy 

doings ; 
I  will  sing  for  joy  in  the  work  of  Thy  hands. 

5  How  great  are  Thy  works,  O  Jehovah ! 

Deep  beyond  measure  are  Thy  thoughts : 

6  A  brutish  man  knoweth  not, 

Neither  doth  a  fool  understand  this. 

7  When  the  wicked  flourish  as  the  grass. 

And  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  prosper . 
It  is  that  they  shall  be  destroyed  for  ever. 

137 


8  But  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  art  on  high  for  evermore. 

9  For,  lo.  Thine  enemies,  O  Jehovah  ! 

For,  lo,  Thine  enemies  shall  perish ; 
All  that  work  iniquity  shall  be  scattered. 

10  But  my  horn  Thou  exaltest  as  that  of  an  antelope; 

I  am  anointed  with  fresh  oil ; 

11  While  mine  eye  looketh  upon  mine  enemies, 

And  mine  ear  heareth  of  my  wicked  assailants. 

12  The  righteous  shall  blossom  like  the  palm  tree, 

They  shall  grow  like  the  cedars  of  Lebanon. 

13  Planted  in  the  house  of  Jehovah, 

They  shall  blossom  in  the  courts  of  our  God. 

14  They  shall  still  bear  fruit  in  old  age  ; 

They  shall  be  full  of  sap  and  green ; 

15  To  show  that  Jehovah  is  upright ; 

He  is  my  Rock,  and  there  is  no  unrighteousness 
in  Him. 


NINETY-THIRD 

EHOVAH  reigneth;  He  is  enrobed  with  majesty; 
Jehovah  is  enrobed. 

He  hath  girded  Himself  with  strength ; 
So  the  world  standeth  fast ;  it  cannot  be  overthrown. 

2  Thy  throne  is  established  from  of  old ; 

Thou  art  from  everlasting. 

3  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  God  ! 
The  floods  have  lifted  up  their  voice; 

The  floods  lift  up  their  roaring. 

138 


4  But  more  glorious  than  the  voice  of  great  waters, 
More  glorious  than  the  breakers  ©f  the  sea, 

Is  Jehovah  in  His  place  on  high  ! 

5  Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure  ; 
Holiness  becometh  Thy  house, 

O  Jehovah  !  for  evermore  ! 


NINETY-FOURTH 

God  of  vengeance,  Jehovah  ! 

O  God  of  vengeance,  shine  forth ! 
2  Lift  up  Thyself,  Thou  Judge  of  the  earth  ; 
Render  to  the  proud  their  desert. 

3  How  long  shall  the  wicked,  O  Jehovah  ! 

How  long  shall  the  wicked  triumph? 

4  They  gush  out,  they  speak  insolently  ; 

All  the  workers  of  iniquity  are  boastful. 

5  They  crush  Thy  people,  O  Jehovah  ! 

And  they  oppress  Thy  heritage. 

6  They  slay  the  widow  and  the  stranger, 

And  they  murder  the  fatherless. 

7  They  say  "  Jehovah  doth  not  see; 

The  God  of  Jacob  heedeth  not." 

8  Understand,  ye  brutish  among  the  people ; 

And  ye  fools,  when  will  ye  be  wise  ? 

9  lie  that  planteth  the  ear,  doth  He  not  hear? 

He  that  formeth  the  eye,  doth  He  not  see? 
10     He  that  chastiseth  the  nations,  doth  He  not  correct? 
He  that  teacheth  man  knowledge — 

139 


11  Jehovah  knoweth  the  thoughts  of  man, 

That  they  are  vanity. 

12  O  the  blessedness  of  the  man 

Whom  Thou  chastenest,  O  Jehovah! 
And  whom  Thou  teachest  out  of  Thy  law ; 

13  That  he  may  have  rest  from  the  days  of  evil, 

Till  a  pit  be  digged  for  the  wicked. 

14  For  Jehovah  will  not  cast  off  His  people, 

Neither  will  He  forsake  His  inheritance  ; 

15  But  judgment  shall  return  unto  righteousness, 

And  all  the  upright  in  heart  shall  follow  it. 

16  Who  riseth  up  for  me  against  evil  doers? 
Who  taketh  His  stand  upon  my  side 

Against  workers  of  iniquity? 

17  Unless  Jehovah  had  been  my  help, 

How  soon  had  my  soul  dwelt  in  silence ! 

18  When  I  said,  "  My  foot  giveth  way," 

Thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah  !  sustained  me. 

19  In  the  multitude  of  distractions  within  me, 

Thy  comforts  delight  my  soul. 

20  Shall  the  throne  of  evil  have  fellowship  with  Thee, 

That  frameth  injury  by  statute? 

21  They  band  together  against  the  life  of  the  righteous, 

And  the  innocent  blood  they  condemn. 

22  But  Jehovah  hath  become  my  high  tower. 

And  my  God  is  my  rock  of  refuge : 

23  And  He  bringeth  back  upon  them  their  iniquity, 

In  their  wickedness  He  cutteth  them  off; 
Jehovah,  our  God,  cutteth  them  off. 

140 


NINETY-FIFTH 

OME,  let  us  sing  joyfully  to  Jehovah, 

Let  us  shout  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 

2  Let  us  come  before  Him  with  thanksgiving, 

Let  us  shout  unto  Him  with  psalms. 


3  For  Jehovah  is  a  great  God, 

And  over  all  the  gods  He  is  a  great  King : 

4  In  His  hand  are  the  depths  of  the  earth, 

And  His  are  the  treasures  of  the -mountains ; 

5  Whose  is  the  sea,  for  it  is  He  that  made  it, 

And  His  hands  have  formed  the  dry  land. 

6  Oh  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down. 

Let  us  kneel  before  Jehovah  our  Maker ; 

7  For  He  is  our  God, 

And  we  are  the  people  of  His  shepherd  care. 
The  flock  of  His  hand  ; 
To-day,  oh  that  ye  would  hearken  to  His  voice  ! 

8  "  Harden  not  your  heart  as  at  Meribah, 

In  the  day  of  Massah  in  the  wilderness: 

9  When  your  fathers  tempted  Me  ; 

They  proved  Me,  yea,  they  saw  My  w^ork. 

10  Forty  years  long  was  I  grieved  with  that  generation  ; 

And  I  said,  '  They  are  a  people  whose  heart  goeth 
astray. 
And  they  know  not  My  ways.' 

11  Wherefore  I  sware  in  My  wrath, 

'  Surely  they  shall  not  enter  into  My  rest.'  " 


141 


NINETY-SIXTH 

JH  sing  unto  Jehovah  a  new  song, 

Sing  unto  Jehovah,  all  the  earth  ; 
b  Sing  unto  Jehovah,  bless  His  Name  ; 
Tell  day  by  day  the  glad  news  of  His  saving  power. 

3  Declare  among  the  nations  His  glory. 

Among  all  the  peoples  His  wonders. 

4  For  Jehovah  is  great,  and  most  worthy  to  be  praised, 

Above  all  gods  He  is  to  be  feared  ; 

5  For  the  gods  of  the  nations  are  all  things  of  nought, 

But  it  is  Jehovah  that  made  the  heavens. 

6  Grandeur  and  majesty  are  in  His  presence ; 

Strength  and  splendour  in  His  sanctuary. 

7  Ascribe  unto  Jehovah,  ye  families  of  the  nations, 

Ascribe  unto  Jehovah  glory  and  strength. 

8  Ascribe  unto  Jehovah  the  glory  of  His  Name ; 

Bring  an  offering,  and  come  into  His  courts. 

9  Oh  worship  Jehovah  in  holy  attire ; 

Tremble  before  Him,  all  the  earth. 

10  Say  among  the  nations,  "  Jehovah  reigneth  ; 

So  the  world  standeth  fast  and  cannot  be  shaken; 
He  ruleth  the  peoples  justly." 

1 1  Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  the  earth  rejoice  ; 

Let  the  sea  roar  and  the  fulness  thereof ; 

12  Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is  therein ; 

There  let  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  for  joy — 

13  In  the  presence  of  Jehovah  ;  for  He  cometh. 

For  He  cometh  to  judge  the  earth : 
He  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 
And  in  His  faithfulness  the  nations. 

142 


NINETY-SEVENTH 

EHOVAH  reigncth,  let  the  earth  rejoice, 

Let  the  multitude  of  isles  be  glad. 
2  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  Him, 
Righteousness  and  justice  are  the  pillars  of  His 
throne. 

3  A  fire  goeth  before  Him, 

And  consumeth  His  enemies  on  every  side. 

4  His  lightnings  lighted  up  the  world; 

The  earth  saw,  and  it  trembled : 

5  The  mountains  melted  like  wax, 

At  the  presence  of  Jehovah, 
At  the  presence  of  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. 

6  The  heavens  declared  His  righteousness. 

And  all  the  nations  saw  His  glory. 

7  Let  all  that  serve  images  be  ashamed. 

Those  that  glor}'  in  idols  ; 
Prostrate  yourselves  before  Him,  all  ye  gods! 

8  Zion  heareth  and  is  glad. 

And  the  daughters  of  Judah  rejoice  , 
Because  of  Thy  judgments,  O  Jehovah  ! 

9  For  Thou,  Jehovah,  Most  High  over  all  the  earth, 

Above  all  the  gods  art  Thou  greatly  exalted. 

10  Ye  that  love  Jehovah,  hate  evil ; 

He  preserveth  the  souls  of  His  beloved  ; 

He  delivereth  them  from  the  power  of  the  wicked. 

1 1  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous. 

And  gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart. 

12  Be  glad  in  Jehovah,  O  ye  righteous ! 

And  praise  ye  His  holy  memorial  Name. 

143 


NINETY-EIGHTH 

[a  psalm.] 

ING  unto  Jehovah  a  new  song, 
For  He  hath  done  marvellous  things ; 
His  right  hand,  and  His  holy  arm  have  gained 
for  Him  the  victory. 


2  Jehovah  hath  made  known  His  salvation ; 
Before  the  eyes  of  all  nations 

He  hath  revealed  His  righteousness. 

3  He  remembered   His  lovingkindness  and  faithfulness 

Unto  the  house  of  Israel ; 
All  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen 
The  salvation  of  our  God. 

4  Shout  unto  Jehovah,  all  the  earth! 

Break  forth,  sing  for  joy,  and  strike  the  chords. 

5  Make  melody  unto  Jehovah  with  the  harp, 

With  the  harp  and  the  voice  of  a  psalm. 

6  With  trumpets  and  the  sound  of  cornet. 

Make  a  joyful  noise  before  Jehovah  the  King. 

7  Let  the  sea  roar  and  the  fulness  thereof , 

The  world  and  they  that  dwell  therein  ; 

8  Let  the  rivers  clap  their  hands  } 

Together  let  the  mountains  sing  for  joy — 

9  In  the  presence  of  Jehovah  ; 

For  He  cometh  to  judge  the  earth  : 
He  judgeth  the  world  in  righteousness, 
Yea,  the  nations  in  equity  ! 


144 


NINETY-NINTH 

EHOVAH  reigncth  ; 

Let  the  nations  tremble : 
He  is  throned  above  the  cherubim, 

Let  the  earth  quake. 

2  Jehovah  in  Zion  is  great  , 

And  He  is  high  above  all  the  nations. 

3  Let  them  praise  Thy  great  and  terrible  Name ; 

For  it  is  holy. 

4  Thou  art  the  king's  strength,  and  lovest  justice ; 

By  Thee  equity  is  established  : 
It  is  Thou  that  executest  justice  and  righteousness 
in  Jacob. 

5  Exalt  ye  Jehovah  our  God, 

And  worship  at  His  footstool; 
For  He  is  holy. 

6  Moses  and  Aaron  among  His  priests, 

Samuel  of  those  that  call  upon  His  Name — 
They  called  upon  Jehovah,  and  He  answered  them, 

7  In  the  pillar  of  cloud  He  spake  unto  them ; 
They  kept  His  testimonies 

And  the  statute  that  He  gave  them. 

8  Jehovah  our  God'.TlIOU  didst  answer  them  ; 
Thou  becamest  to  them  a  God  that  pardoneth, 

But  that  taketh  vengeance  upon  their  deeds. 

9  Exalt  ye  Jehovah  our  God, 

And  worship  at  His  holy  mountain; 
For  Jehovah  our  God  is  holy. 


145 


ONE    HUNDREDTH 

[for  the  thank-offering,     a  psalm.] 

AKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  Jehovah, 

All  ye  lands  ! 
2  Serve  Jehovah  with  gladness; 

Come  before  His  presence  with  singing. 
Know  ye  that  Jehovah  is  God  ; 
It  is  He  that  hath  made  us,  and  His  we  are, 

His  people,  and  the  flock  of  His  shepherd  care. 

Enter  into  His  gates  with  thanksgiving. 

And  into  His  courts  with  a  song  of  praise  ; 

Give  thanks  unto  Him,  and  bless  His  Name. 

For  Jehovah  is  good  ; 

His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever, 

And  His  faithfulness  unto  all  generations. 


ONE    HUNDREDTH    AND    FIRST 

[by  DAVID.       A  PSALM.] 

F  lovingkindness  and  judgment  will  I  sing; 

Unto  Thee,  O  Jehoyah !  will  I  strike  the  harp. 
2  I  will  act  wisely  in  a  perfect  way  ; 
Oh  when  wilt  Thou  come  to  me  ? 
I  will  walk  within  my  house  in  the  integrity 
of  my  heart. 

3  I  will  set  no  base  thing  before  mine  eyes ; 
For  I  hate  faithless  dealing  ; 

It  shall  not  cleave  unto  me. 

4  A  perverse  heart  shall  turn  away  from  me ; 

I  will  not  know  an  evil  thing. 

5  He  that  secretly  slandereth  his  neighbour — 

Him  will  I  destroy; 

146 


He  that  hath  a  high  look,  and  a  proud  heart — 
Him  will  I  not  suffer. 

6  Mine  eyes  are  upon  the  faithful  in  the  land, 

That  they  may  dwell  with  me  ; 
He  that  walketh  in  the  way  of  uprightness — 
It  is  He  that  shall  serve  me. 

7  He  that  practiseth  deceit 

Shall  not  dwell  within  my  house. 
He  that  speaketh  falsehood 

Shall  not  abide  before  mine  eyes. 

8  Morning  by  morning  will  I  destroy  all  the  wicked  of 

the  land  , 
To  cut  off  all  workers  of  iniquity  from  the  city  of 
Jehovah. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SECOND 

[the  prayer  of  a  sufferer  when  he  is  overwhelmed,  and  poureth 

OUT  HIS  lament  before  JEHOVAH.] 

EAR  my  prayer,  O  Jehovah ! 

Let  my  cry  for  help  come  unto  Thee. 
2  Hide  not  Thy  face  from  me  in   my  day  of 
distress : 
Incline  unto  me  Thine  ear; 

In  the  day  when  I  call  answer  me  speedily. 

For  my  days  have  vanished  in  smoke, 

And  my  bones  are  burned  up  as  by  fire. 

My  heart  is  smitten  like  grass,  and  withered ; 
For  in  my  sorrow  I  forget  to  eat  my  bread. 

By  reason  of  my  loud  outcries, 
My  bone  cleaveth  to  my  flesh. 

147 


6  I  am  like  a  pelican  of  the  wilderness, 

I  am  become  like  an  owl  of  the  ruins. 

7  I  am  held  waking,  and  am  become 

Like  a  lonely  bird  upon  the  house  top. 

8  All  the  day  long  mine  enemies  revile  me, 

Raving  at  me  as  "  the  accursed  "  in  their  oaths. 

9  For  I  have  eaten  ashes  like  bread. 

And  mingled  my  drink  with  weeping, 

10  Because  of  Thine  indignation  and  Thy  w'rath  ; 

For  Thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  and  cast  me  down. 

1 1  My  days  are  like  a  lengthened  shadow. 

And  I  am  withering  like  the  grass. 

12  But  Thou,  Jehovah  !  art  enthroned  for  ever; 

Thy  memorial  Name  is  for  all  generations; 

13  Thou  wilt  arise,  and  have  compassion  on  Zion  ; 

For  the  time  to  favour  her,  the  set  time,  hath  come. 

14  For  Thy  servants  take  pleasure  in  her  stones. 

And  are  in  distress  over  her  dust. 

15  So  the  nations  shall  fear  the  Name  of  Jehovah, 

And  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  Thy  glory ; 

16  Because  Jehovah  hath  built  up  Zion, 

He  hath  appeared  in  His  glory  ; 

17  He  hath  turned  to  the  prayer  of  the  destitute, 

And  hath  not  despised  their  prayer. 

18  This  shall  be  written  for  a  generation  to  come. 

And  a  people  yet  to  be  created  shall  praise  Jehovah, 

19  That  He  bendeth  down  from  His  holy  height; 

That  from  heaven  Jehovah  looketh  to  the  earth, 

20  To  hear  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner. 

To  loose  them  that  are  appointed  to  death ; 

148 


21  That  they  may  declare  in  Zion  the  Name  of  Jehovah, 

And  His  praise  in  Jerusalem  , 

22  When  the  nations  arc  gathered  together, 

And  the  kingdoms  to  serve  Jehovah. 

23  He  brought  down  my  strength  in  the  way; 

He  hath  shortened  my  days. 

24  I  say,  "  O  my  GOD  !  take  me  not  away  in  the  midst 

of  my  days, 
Thou  whose  years  are  to  all  generations. 

25  Of  old  didst  Thou  lay  the  foundations  of  the  earth, 

And  the  heavens  are  the  work  of  Thy  hands  ; 

26  As  for  them,  they  shall  perish, 

But  Thou  shalt  endure: 
They  all  like  a  garment  shall  wear  away ; 
Like  a  vesture  wilt  Thou  change  them, 
And  they  shall  be  changed  : 

27  But  Thou  art  the  same. 

And  Thy  years  have  no  end  : 

28  The  children  of    Thy  servants  shall  abide. 

And  their  offspring  be  established  before  Thee." 


ONE  HUNDRED   AND  THIRD 

[by    DAVID.] 

jLESS  Jehovah,  O  my  soul , 
And  all  that  is  within  me, 

Bless  His  holy  Name. 

2  Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul. 

And  forget  not  all  His  benefits: 

3  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities ; 

Who  healeth  all  thy  diseases ; 

149 


4  Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction  ; 

Who    crowneth    thee    with    lovingkindness    and 
tender  mercies ; 

5  Who  satisfieth  thy  desire  with  good, 

With  youth  renewed  thou  becomest  Hke  the  eagle. 

6  Jehovah  executeth  deeds  of  righteousness, 

And  of  justice  for  all  that  are  oppressed. 

7  He  made  known  His  ways  unto  Moses, 

His  acts  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

8  Jehovah  is  merciful  and  gracious, 

Longsuffering  and  abundant  in  lovingkindness. 

9  He  will  not  always  contend. 

Neither  will  He  keep  His  anger  for  ever. 

10  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins, 

Nor  rewarded  us  after  our  iniquities. 

1 1  For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the  earth. 

His  lovingkindness  prevaileth  for  them  that  fear 
Him. 

12  As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west, 

So  far  He  removeth  our  transgressions  from  us. 

13  As  a  father  pitieth  his  children. 

So  Jehovah  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him. 

14  For  He  knoweth  our  frame  ; 

He  remembereth  that  we  are  dust. 

1 5  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass  ; 

As  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth. 

16  For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone ; 

And  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more. 

17  But  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah  to  them  that  fear 

Him  endureth  through  the  everlasting  ages, 
And  His  righteousness  to  their  offspring  for  ever ; 

150 


1 8  Unto  such  as  keep  His  covenant ; 

To  those  that  remember  His  precepts  to  do  them. 

19  Jehovah  hath  established   His  throne  in  the  heavens, 

And  His  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

20  Bless  Jehovah,  ye  angels  of  His, 

Ye  mighty  in  strength,  that  fulfil  His  command, 
Hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  His  word  ! 

21  Bless  Jehovah,  all  )'e  His  hosts, 

Ye  ministers  of  His,  that  do  His  pleasure! 

22  Bless  Jehovah,  all  ye  His  works. 

In  all  places  of  His  dominion ! 
Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul ! 


ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

LESS  Jehovah,  O  my  soul ! 
O  Jehovah,  my  God  !  Thou  art  very  great  ; 
Thou  art  clothed  with  honour  and  majesty. 
Thou  enrobest  Thyself  with  light  as  a  mantle  ; 

Thou  stretchest  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain  ; 
Who  frameth  in  waters  His  chambers  on  high, 
Who  taketh  clouds  as  His  chariot. 

Who  travelleth  with  the  wings  of  the  wind  ; 
Who  maketh  the  winds  His  messengers. 
The  flaming  thunderbolts  His  ministers. 

He  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth, 

That  it  should  not  be  overthrown  for  ever. 

With  the  deep  as  a  garment  didst  Thou  cover  it ; 
The  waters  stood  higher  than  the  mountains. 

They  fled  away  from  Thy  rebukes. 

They  hasted  from  Thy  voice  of  thunder — 


8  (The  mountains  rose,  and  the  valleys  sank,) 

Unto  the  place  Thou  hadst  founded  for  them  ; 

9  Thou  hast  set  a  bound  that  they  may  not  pass, 

That  they  return  not  to  cover  the  earth. 

10  He  sendeth  forth  springs  into  the  valleys, 

That  they  may  run  between  the  mountains. 

1 1  They  give  drink  to  every  beast  of  the  field  ; 

The  wild  asses  quench  their  thirst. 

12  Above  them  dwell  the  birds  of  heaven  ; 

From  among  the  branches  they  give  voice. 

13  He  watereth  mountains  from  His  loftier  heights  ; 

The  earth  is  full  of  the  fruit  of  Thy  works. 

14  He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle, 

And  plants  for  the  service  of  man  ; 
That  He  may  bring  forth  bread  out  of  the  earth  ; 

1 5  And  that  wine  may  gladden  the  heart  of  man, 

Brightening  his  countenance  more  than  oil ; 
And  that  bread  may  strengthen  man's  heart. 

16  The  trees  of  Jehovah  have  their  fill, 

The  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  He  planted. 

17  Where  little  birds  make  their  nests — 

While  the  stork  hath  its  home  in  the  firs. 

18  The  high  mountains  are  for  the  wild  goats, 

And  the  cliffs  a  refuge  for  the  conies. 

19  He  made  the  moon  for  appointed  seasons  ; 

The  sun  knoweth  his  place  of  setting. 

20  Wouldst  Thou  have  darkness,  let  the  night  come  on ; 

Therein  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest  are  astir  ; 

21  The  young  lions  roar  after  their  prey, 

And  seek  their  food  from  God. 

22  When  the  sun  ariseth,  they  retire, 

And  lay  themselves  down  in  their  dens  ; 

152 


23  But  man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work, 

Unto  his  labour  until  the  evening. 

24  How  manifold  are  Thy  works,  O  Jehovah ! 

In  wisdom  hast  Thou  wrought  them  all: 
The  earth  is  full  of  Thy  creatures  ; 

25  Yonder  is  the  sea,  great  and  far  extended — 
Teeming  therein  without  number, 

Are  living  things,  the  small  and  the  great. 

26  There  the  ships  move  along  ; 

And  the  whales  which  Thou  hast  formed  to  sport 
therein. 

27  All  these  are  looking  unto  Thee, 

To  give  them  their  food  in  its  season. 

28  Thou  givest  to  them,  and  they  gather. 

Thou  openest  Thy  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good. 

29  Thou  hidest  Thy  face,  they  are  troubled  ; 
Thou  takest  away  their  breath,  they  die, 

And  return  to  their  dust. 

30  Thou  sendest  forth  Thy  spirit,  they  are  created  ; 

Thou  renewest  the  face  of  the  ground. 

31  Let  the  glory  of  Jehovah  endure  for  ever; 

Let  Jehovah  rejoice  in  His  works: 

32  Who  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  it  trembleth. 

Who  toucheth  the  mountains,  and  they  smoke. 

33  I  will  sing  to  Jehovah  while  I  live, 

I  will  make  melody  to  my  God  while  I  have  being. 

34  Let  my  utterance  be  sweet  unto  Him  ; 

I,  even  I,  will  rejoice  in  Jehovah. 

35  Let  sinners  pass  away  from  the  earth. 

And  let  the  wicked  be  no  more. 
Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul ! 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 

153 


ONE    HUNDRED  AND  FIFTH 

IVE  thanks  to  Jehovah  ,  call  upon  His  Name; 
Make  known  His  doings  among  the  nations. 
2  Sing  unto  Him,  make  melody  unto  Him  ; 
Meditate  upon  all  His  wonders. 

3  Glory  ye  in  His  holy  Name  ; 

Let  the  heart  of  those  that  seek  Jehovah  rejoice. 

4  Seek  ye  Jehovah,  and  His  strength  ; 

Seek  ye  His  face  evermore. 

5  Remember  His  marvellous  works  that  He  hath  done, 

His  wonders,  and  the  judgments  of  His  mouth , 

6  O  ye  offspring  of  Abraham  His  servant, 

Ye  sons  of  Jacob,  His  chosen  ones! 

7  He  is  Jehovah  our  God, 

Whose  judgments  are  in  all  the  earth. 

8  He  remembereth  His  covenant  for  ever, 

The  word  He  ordained  for  a  thousand  generations- 

9  The  covenant  He  made  with  Abraham, 

And  the  oath  which  He  had  sworn  unto  Isaac , 

10  And  confirmed  it  to  Jacob  for  a  statute, 

To  Israel  for  an  everlasting  covenant ; 

11  Saying,  "To  Thee  I  give  the  land  of  Canaan, 

Measured  out  as  your  inheritance." 

12  When  they  were  a  few  men  in  number. 

Very  few,  and  sojourners  therein  ; 

13  And  went  about  from  nation  to  nation. 

From  one  kingdom  to  the  people  of  another; 

14  He  suffered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong. 

Yea,  He  reproved  kings  for  their  sake  ; 

15  Saying,  "Touch  not  Mine  anointed, 

And  to  My  prophets  do  no  harm." 

154 


l6     Then  He  called  for  a  famine  upon  the  land, 
Every  staff  of  bread  He  brake  asunder. 

ij     He  sent  a  man  before  them  ; 

Joseph  was  sold  to  be  a  slave : 

18  They  afflicted  his  feet  with  fetters; 

The  iron  came  upon  his  soul: 

19  Till  the  time  that  his  word  came  to  pass, 

The  saying  from  Jehovah  that  proved  him. 

20  Then  the  king  sent  and  loosed  him ; 

The  ruler  of  nations  set  him  free. 
►  I      He  made  him  lord  over  his  house, 
And  ruler  of  all  his  possessions ; 

22  To  bind  his  princes  at  his  pleasure, 

And  to  teach  his  senators  wisdom. 

23  Thus  Israel  came  into  Egypt ; 

Jacob  sojourned  in  the  land  of  Ham  ; 

24  And  He  increased  His  people  greatly, 

And  made  them  stronger  than  their  foes. 

25  He  turned  their  heart  to  hate  His  people. 

To  deal  subtilly  with  His  servants. 

26  He  sent  Moses  His  servant, 

And  Aaron  whom  He  had  chosen  ; 

27  Who  performed  among  them  His  marvels, 

And  His  wonders  in  the  land  of  Ham. 

28  He  sent  darkness,  and  they  made  it  dark, 

For  they  rebelled  not  against  His  word. 

29  He  turned  their  waters  into  blood. 

And  thus  killed  their  fish. 

30  Their  land  swarmed  with  frogs, 

Even  in  the  chambers  of  their  kings. 

31  He  spake,  and  there  came  flies, 

And  gnats  were  in  all  their  borders. 

155 


32  Instead  of  rain  He  gave  them  hail, 

With  flaming  fire  in  their  land, 

33  And  He  smote  their  vines  and  their  fig  trees, 

And  brake  down  the  trees  of  their  border. 

34  He  spake,  and  the  locust  came  in, 

And  grasshoppers  without  number; 

35  They  devoured  all  the  plants  in  their  land  ; 

They  devoured  the  fruit  of  their  ground. 

36  Then  He  smote  all  the  firstlings  of  their  land, 

The  beginning  of  all  their  strength  ; 

37  But  He  brought  forth  His  people  with  silver  and  gold, 

With  not  one  that  stumbled  among  His  tribes. 

38  Egypt  rejoiced  when  they  departed, 

For  their  terror  had  fallen  upon  them. 

k 

39  He  spread  a  cloud  for  a  covering, 

And  fire  to  give  light  in  the  night. 

40  They  desired,  and  He  brought  quails, 

And  filled  them  with  the  bread  of  heaven. 

41  He  opened  a  rock  and  waters  gushed  out, 

They  flowed  through  the  wastes  like  a  river. 

42  For  He  remembered  His  holy  word — 

Remembered  Abraham  His  servant ; 

43  And  brought  forth  His  people  with  gladness, 

He  brought  forth  with  singing  His  chosen; 

44  And  gave  them  the  lands  of  the  heathen ; 

They  inherit  the  toil  of  the  nations: 

45  That  they  might  keep  His  statutes ; 
That  they  might  observe  His  laws. 

Praise  ye  Jehovah. 


156 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTH 

IrAISE  ye  Jehovah. 

Oh  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  for  He  is  good, 
For  His  lovingkindness  cndureth  for  ever. 

2  Who  can  utter  tlie  mighty  acts  of  Jehovah? 

Or  who  can  show  forth  all  His  praise? 

3  Happy  are  they  that  observe  justice, 

That  do  righteously  at  all  times. 

4  Remember  me,  O  Jehovah, 

With  the  favour  Thou  showest  Thy  people; 
Oh  visit  me  in  Thy  saving  power ; 

5  That  I  may  enjoy  the  prosperity  of  Thy  chosen, 

And  be  glad  in  the  gladness  of  Thy  nation ; 
That  I  may  glory  with  Thine  inheritance. 

6  We  have  sinned  as  have  our  fathers. 

We  have  become  guilty,  we  have  done  wickedly. 

7  Our  fathers  in  Egypt  heeded  not  Thy  wonders, 

Nor  remembered  Thy  great  lovingkindness  ; 
But  were  rebellious  at  the  sea,  at  the  Red  Sea. 

8  Yet  He  saved  them  for  His  Name's  sake. 

That  He  might  manifest  His  power. 

9  He  rebuked  the  Red  Sea,  and  it  dried  up. 

And  led  them  through  the  depths  as  a  plain. 

10  He  saved  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  foe, 

He  redeemed  them  from  the  power  of  the  enemy; 

1 1  And  the  waters  covered  their  oppressors. 

That  not  one  of  them  was  left. 

12  Then  believed  they  His  word,  , 

And  they  sang  in  His  praise. 

13  Very  soon  forgat  they  His  works; 

They  waited  not  for  His  counsel: 

157 


14  They  lusted  greedily  in  the  wilderness, 

And  tempted  God  in  the  desert. 

15  So  He  gave  them  their  request, 

But  sent  leanness  into  their  soul. 

16  They  were  incensed  at  Moses  in  the  camp, 

Against  Aaron  the  consecrated  of  Jehovah. 

17  The  earth  opened  and  swallowed  up  Dathan, 

And  covered  the  company  of  Abiram. 

18  A  fire  was  kindled  in  their  company, 

A  flame  consumed  the  wicked. 

19  They  made  a  calf  at  Horeb, 

And  worshipped  a  molten  image  ; 

20  And  they  exchanged  their  Glory 

For  the  likeness  of  an  ox  that  eateth  grass. 

21  They  forgat  God  their  Saviour, 

Who  had  done  great  things  in  Egypt ; 

22  Wondrous  works  in  the  land  of  Ham, 

Terrible  deeds  at  the  Red  Sea. 

23  Then  He  said  He  would  make  an  end  of  them. 
Had  not  Moses  His  chosen  stood  before  Him  in  the 

breach, 
To  turn  away  His  wrath  from  their  destruction. 

24  Yea,  they  despised  the  pleasant  land ; 

They  believed  not  His  word  : 

25  But  they  murmured  in  their  tents. 

They  heeded  not  the  voice  of  Jehovah. 

26  Then  He  sware  to  them  with  uplifted  hand, 

That  He  would  overthrow  them  in  the  wilderness ; 

27  And   would    overthrow   their   offspring  among  the 

nations. 
And  scatter  them  in  the  lands. 

158 


28  Then  they  joined  themselves  to  Baal-peor, 

And  ate  the  sacrifices  of  the  dead. 

29  They  provoked  Him  to  anger  by  their  doings, 

And  the  pestilence  brake  in  upon  them. 

30  But  Phinehas  stood  up,  and  executed  judgment, 

And  the  pestilence  was  stayed. 

31  It  was  counted  to  him  for  righteousness, 

Unto  all  generations  for  evermore. 

32  Then  they  angered  Him  at  the  waters  of  Meribah, 

And  it  went  ill  with  Moses  for  their  sake  ; 

33  For  they  embittered  his  spirit, 

And  he  spake  foolishly  with  his  lips. 

34  They  did  not  exterminate  the  nations. 

As  Jehovah  had  commanded  them  ; 

35  But  mingled  themselves  with  the  heathen, 

And  learned  their  works; 

36  And  they  served  their  idols, 

Which  became  a  snare  unto  them ; 

37  Yea,  they  sacrificed  their  sons  and  their  daughters 

unto  demons. 

38  They  shed  innocent  blood. 

The  blood  of  their  sons  and  daughters,  whom  they 
sacrificed  to  the  idols  of  Canaan  ; 
And  the  land  was  polluted  with  their  blood. 

39  Thus  were  they  defiled  by  their  doings, 

And  were  corrupt  in  their  practices. 

40  Then  the  wrath  of  Jehovah  was  kindled  against  His 

people. 
And  He  abhorred  His  inheritance. 

41  He  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  the  nations. 

And  those  that  hated  them  ruled  over  them. 

42  Their  enemies  oppressed  them. 

And  they  were  humbled  under  their  hand. 

159 


43  Many  times  did  He  deliver  them  : 
But  they  rebelled  in  their  counsel, 

And  were  brought  low  for  their  iniquity. 

44  Yet  He  regarded  them  in  their  distress, 

When  He  heard  their  wailing. 

45  He  remembered  for  them  His  covenant ; 

He  relented  in  His  abundant  lovingkindness: 

46  And  He  procured  for  them  compassion. 

In  the  presence  of  all  that  held  them  captive. 

47  Save  us,  O  Jehovah,  our  God  ! 

And  gather  us  from  among  the  nations , 
To  give  thanks  unto  Thy  holy  Name, 
And  to  triumph  in  Thy  praise. 

48  Blessed  be  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel, 

Through  the  everlasting  ages! 
And  let  all  the  people  say.  Amen  ! 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


BOOK    V. 


ONE   HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH 


H  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  for  He  is  good ; 
For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever." 
2  Thus  say  the  redeemed  of  Jehovah, 
Whom  He  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  their  foes. 
3     Yea,  He  gathered  them  out  of  the  lands ; 
Out  of  the  east  and  out  of  the  west, 

Out  of  the  north  and  out  of  the  south. 


4  They  roved  the  wilderness  in  desert  ways; 

They  found  not  a  city  to  dwell  in. 

5  Hungry  were  they  and  also  thirsty  ; 

Their  soul  fainted  within  them. 

6  Then  they  cried  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble, 

And  He  saved  them  out  of  all  their  distresses ; 

7  And  He  led  them  by  a  right  way, 

To  go  to  a  city  wherein  they  might  dwell. 

8  Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah 

For  His  lovingkindness. 
And  His  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men ! 

i6i 


9     For  He  satisfieth  the  longing  soul, 

And  the  hungry  soul  He  filleth  with  good. 

10  Those  that  dwell  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death, 

That  are  fettered  in  misery  and  iron — 

11  Because    they    rebelled    against    the   words    of    the 

Almighty, 
And  despised  the  counsel  of  the  Most  High , 

12  Therefore  He  humbled  their  heart  with  labour  ; 

They  fell  down,  and  there  was  none  to  help  : 

13  Then  they  cried  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble. 

And  He  saved  them  out  of  all  their  distresses, 

14  He  brought  them  out  of  darkness  and  the  shadow  of 

death. 
And  their  bonds  He  burst  asunder. 

15  Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah 

For  His  lovingkindness. 
And  for  His  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  ! 

16  For  He  hath  shattered  the  gates  of  brass, 

And  hath  smitten  down  the  bars  of  iron. 

17  Fools  because  of  their  sinful  way 

And  their  guilty  deeds,  are  made  to  suffer. 

18  Their  soul  abhorreth  all  food, 

And  they  draw  near  to  the  gates  of  death. 

19  Then  they  cry  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble, 

And  He  saveth  them  from  all  their  distresses. 

20  He  sendeth  His  word,  and  healeth  them. 

And  delivereth  them  from  their  dangers. 

21  Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah 

For  His  lovingkindness, 
And  for  His  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  ! 

22  Let  them  offer  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving, 

And  tell  His  works  in  a  song  of  joy. 

162 


23  Those  that  go  clown  to  the  sea  in  ships, 

That  do  business  on  the  great  waters, 

24  They  see  the  works  of  Jehovah, 

And  His  wonders  in  the  deep. 

25  For  He  commandeth,  and  raiseth  a  stormy  wind, 

Which  Hfteth  up  the  waves  thereof; 

26  They  mount  up  to  the  heavens, 

They  go  down  into  the  depths  ; 
Their  soul  melteth  away  with  trouble. 

27  They  reel  and  stagger  like  a  drunken  man. 

And  all  their  wisdom  cometh  to  nought. 

28  Then  they  cry  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble, 

And  He  bringeth  them  out  of  their  distresses. 

29  He  stilleth  the  storm  into  silence. 

And  the  billows  thereof  are  hushed. 

30  So  they  are  glad  when  they  become  quiet. 

And  He  leadeth  them  to  the  haven  they  desire. 

31  Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah 

For  His  lovingkindness. 
And  for  His  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 

32  Let  them  extol  Him  in  the  assembly  of  the  people, 

And  praise  Him  in  the  council  of  the  elders. 

33  He  turneth  rivers  into  a  wilderness. 

And  fountains  of  water  into  thirsty  ground  ; 

34  A  fruitful  land  into  a  salt  desert, 

i  For  the  wickedness  of  those  that  dwell  therein. 

35  He  turneth  a  wilderness  into  a  pool  of  water, 

And  dry  land  into  fountains  of  water  ; 

36  And  He  maketh  the  hungry  to  dwell  there, 

And  they  build  a  city  to  dwell  in. 

37  They  sow  fields,  and  plant  vineyards, 

And  produce  fruits  to  enrich  them. 

163 


38  He  blesseth  them,  and  they  multiply  greatly, 

And   He  suffereth  not  their  cattle  to  become  few. 

39  Again,  they  become  few  and  are  brought  low 

Through  oppression,  trouble,  and  sorrow. 

40  He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes. 

And  maketh  them  wander  in  a  pathless  waste ; 

41  But  He  setteth  the  wretched  on  high  from  suffering. 

And  maketh  them  families  like  a  flock. 

42  The  upright  see  it,  and  they  are  glad. 

And  all  unrighteousness  stoppeth  her  mouth. 

43  Who  is  wise  and  will  observe  these  things, 

And  will  consider  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah? 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTH 

[a  song.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

Y  heart  is  fixed,  O  God ! 


I  will  sing  and  strike  the  chords, 
Yea,  with  my  glory. 

2  Oh  awake,  psaltery  and  harp  ; 

Fain  would  I  awaken  the  dawn. 

3  I  will  praise  Thee  among  the  nations,  O  Jehovah  ! 

I  will  make  melody  to  Thee  among  the  kingdoms  ; 

4  For  Thy  lovingkindness  is  higher  than  the  heavens. 

And  Thy  truth  reacheth  unto  the  skies. 

5  Be  Thou  exalted  above  the  heavens,  O  God  ! 

Be  Thy  glory  above  all  the  earth  ! 

6  For  the  deliverance  of  Thy  beloved, 

Save  with  Thy  right  hand,  and  answer  us. 

164 


7  God  hath  spoken  \n  His  holiness; 

Therefore  will  I  exult ! 
I  will  portion  out  Shechcm, 

And  will  measure  the  valley  of  Succoth. 

8  Mine  is  Gilead,  and  Manasseh  is  mine, 

And  Ephraim  is  the  defence  of  my  head  : 
As  for  Judah,  he  is  my  royal  staff. 

9  I  use  Moab  for  cleansing,  and  on  Edom   plant  my 

foot  ; 
Over  Philistia  will  I  shout  aloud. 

10  Who  will  bring  me  to  the  fortress  city? 

Who  will  conduct  me  to  Edom  ? 

1 1  O  God  !  hast  not  Thou  cast  us  off? 

Thou  gocst  not  forth,  O  God  I  with  our  hosts. 

12  Oh  give  us  Thy  help  from  the  foe; 

For  vain  is  the  help  of  man. 

13  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly, 

For  it  is  He  that  will  trample  upon  our  foes. 


ONE   HUNDRED  AND  NINTH 

[for  the  chief  musician.      by  DAVID,      A  PSALM.] 

God  of  my  praise,  be  not  silent ! 
2  For  the  mouth  of  wickedness  and  deceit  the}' 
open  against  me  ; 
They  speak  to  me  with  a  lying  tongue. 
With  words  of  hatred  they  have  beset  me, 

And  fight  against  me  without  cause. 
In  return  for  my  love,  they  withstand  me ; 
But  I  betake  me  unto  prayer. 


165 


5  They  have  rewarded  me  evil  for  good, 

And  given  hatred  in  return  for  my  love. 

6  Appoint  Thou  a  wicked  man  over  him, 

And  let  an  adversary  stand  at  his  right  hand. 

7  When  he  is  judged,  let  him  go  forth  guilty. 

And  let  his  prayer  become  a  sin. 

8  Let  his  days  become  few ; 

His  office  let  another  take. 

9  Let  his  children  become  fatherless, 

And  his  wife  a  widow. 

10  Let  his  sons  wander  about   and  beg. 

And  seek  alms  away  from  their  ruined  homes. 

1 1  Let  the  extortioner  lay  snares  for  all  that  he,  hath  ; 

And  let  aliens  strip  him  of  the  fruit  of  his  toil. 

12  Let  there  be  none  to  extend  kindness  to  him. 

And  none  to  show  pity  to  his  fatherless  children. 

13  Let  his  posterity  be  cut  off , 

In  the  next  generation  be  their  name  blotted  out. 

14  Let  his  father's  guilt  be  remembered  by  Jehovah, 

And  let  not  the  sin  of  his  mother  be  blotted  out. 

15  Let  them  come  always  before  Jehovah, 

That  their  memory  may  perish  from  the  earth. 

16  Because  he  remembered  not  to  show  kindness , 

But  pursued  the  suffering,  and  needy,  and  brokert- 
hearted  unto  death. 

17  He  loved  cursing,  and  it  came  upon  him; 

And  he  delighted   not  in  blessing,  and  it  was  far 
away  from  him. 

18  He  clothed  himself  with  cursing  as  with  his  garment, 
And  it  came  into  his  substance  like  water, 

And  like  oil  into  his  bones. 

166 


19  Let  it  be  to  him  as  the  garment  which  he  puttcth  on, 

And  the  belt  which  he  ever  girdeth  about  him. 

20  This  is  the  reward  of  mine  adversaries  from  Jehovah, 

Of  those  that  devise  mischief  against  my  life. 

21  But  Tiiou,  O  Jehovah,  the  Lord ! 

Become  my  helper  for  Thy  Name's  sake ; 
Because  Thy  lovingkindness  is  good,  deliver  me  ; 

22  For  I  am  suffering  and  needy. 

And  my  heart  is  wounded  within  me.  ^ 

23  As  a  lengthened  shadow  must  I  vanish  ; 

I  am  driven  away  like  the  locust. 

24  ]\Iy  knees  falter  through  fasting, 

And  my  flesh  falleth  away  from  its  fulness. 

25  I  have  become  their  reviling, 

When  they  see  me  they  toss  their  head. 

26  Help  me,  O  Jehovah,  my  God  ! 

Save  me  in  Thy  lovingkindness, 
2^     And  let  them  know  that  this  is  Thy  hand, 
That  Thou,  O  Jehovah  !  hast  done  it. 

28  When  THEY  curse,  do  Thou  bless ; 
Let  them  arise,  and  be  put  to  shame. 

While  Thy  servant  rejoiceth. 

29  Let  mine  adversaries  be  clothed  with  disgrace  ; 

Let  them  wrap  themselves  in  their  shame  as  in  a 
mantle. 

30  I  will  greatly  give  thanks  to  Jehovah  with  my  mouth , 

In  the  midst  of  the  multitude  will  I  praise  Him; 

31  For  He  standeth  at  the  right  hand  of  the  needy. 

To  save  him  from  the  judges  of  his  soul. 


167 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TENTH 

[a  psaxm  of  DA\aD.] 

'EHOVAH  saith  unto  my  Lord, 

'*  Sit  Thou  at  My  right  hand. 
Till  I  make  Thine  enemies  Thy  footstool. 

2  Thy  sceptre  of  power, 

Jehovah  sendeth  forth  out  of  Zion : 
Have  dominion  in  the  midst  of  Thy  foes !  " 

3  Thy  people  shall  be  willing  offerings, 

In  the  day  when  Thy  forces  assemble  ; 
Thine  are  Thy  youth,  in  holy  attire. 

Like  dew  from  the  womb  of  the  dawn. 

4  Jehovah  hath  sworn,  and  repenteth  not, 

"  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever 
After  the  order  of  Melchizedek." 

5  The  Lord  at  Thy  right  hand 

Crusheth  kings  in  the  day  of  His  wrath ! 

6  He  ruleth  among  the  nations, 

He  filleth  them  with  dead  bodies  ; 
He  crusheth  their  heads  over  many  lands. 

7  He  drinketh  from  the  brook  by  the  way, 

Therefore  He  passeth  on  with  uplifted  head  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  ELEVENTH 

RAISE   YE   Jehovah  I    I  will  give  thanks  to 
Jehovah  with  my  whole  heart, 
In  the  council  and  assembly  of  the  upright. 
Great  are  the  works  of  Jehovah , 

Sought  out  by  all  that  have  pleasure  therein. 

i68 


3  His  work  is  glory  and  splendour, 

And  His  righteousness  standeth  fast  forever. 

4  He  hath  ordained  remembrance  for  His  wonders; 

Jehovah  is  gracious  and  full  of  compassion. 

5  He  giveth  food  to  those  that  fear  Him  ; 

He  will  ever  be  mindful  of  His  covenant. 

6  He  showeth  His  people  the  power  of  His  works, 

Giving  them  the  heritage  of  the  nations. 

7  The  works  of  His  hands  are  truth  and  justice, 

And  all  His  precepts  are  faithful. 

8  They  are  steadfast  always  and  for  ever, 

Established  in  truth  and  uprightness. 

9  He  hath  sent  redemption  for  His  people, 

He  hath  commanded  His  covenant  for  ever  ; 
Holy  and  to  be  feared  is  His  Name, 
lo     The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom  ; 
A  good  understanding  have  all  that  obey  Him  ; 
His  praise  standeth  fast  for  ever. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWELFTH 

RAISE  YE  Jehovah  ! 

O  the  blessedness  of  the  man 
That  feareth  Jehovah; 
That  delighteth  greatly  in  His  commandments! 
His  offspring  shall  become  mighty  upon  the  earth ; 

The  race  of  the  upright  shall  be  blessed. 
Wealth  and  riches  are  in  his  house, 

And  his  righteousness  standeth  fast  for  ever. 
Light  in  the  darkness  ariseth  to  the  upright, 

The  kindly,  compassionate,  and  righteous. 
It  is  well  with  the  man  that  showeth  favour  and  lendeth; 
He  shall  maintain  his  cause  when  in  judgment. 

169 


6  For  he  shall  not  be  overthrown  for  ever ; 

In  everlasting  remembrance  shall  the  righteous  be 
held. 

7  He  feareth  no  tidings  of  evil ; 

His  heart  is  firm,  trusting  in  Jehovah ; 

8  His  heart  is  steadfast,  he  hath  no  fear, 

Till  he  seeth  his  desire  upon  his  foes. 

9  He  freely  giveth  to  the  needy ; 

His  righteousness  standeth  fast  for  ever, 
His  horn  shall  be  exalted  with  honour. 
lo     The  wicked  man  seeth  it,  and  is  vexed ; 

He  gnasheth  his  teeth,  and  melteth  away  ; 
The  desire  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTEENTH 

RAISE  YE  Jehovah  ! 

Praise,  O  ye  servants  of  Jehovah, 
Praise  ye  the  Name  of  Jehovah ! 

2  Blessed  be  the  Name  of  Jehovah, 

From  this  time  forth,  even  for  evermore. 

3  From  the  rising  of  the  sun  to  its  going  down, 

Is  the  Name  of  Jehovah  to  be  praised. 

4  Jehovah  is  high  above  all  the  nations ; 

Above  the  heavens  is  His  glory. 

5  Who  is  like  unto  Jehovah  our  God, 

That  exalteth  His  throne  on  high, 

6  That  humbleth  Himself  that  He  may  look 

Upon  the  heavens  and  upon  the  earth  ? 

7  He  raiseth  the  wretched  out  of  the  dust. 

He  lifteth  the  needy  from  the  dunghill ; 

170 


8  That  He  may  seat  him  with  princes, 

With  the' princes  of  His  people. 

9  He  seateth  the  barren  one  in  a  family, 
The  joyful  mother  of  children. 

Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTEENTH 

HEN  Israel  went  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
The  house  of  Jacob  from  people  of  strange 
speech, 

2  Judah  became  His  sanctuary, 

Israel  His  dominion. 

3  The  sea  beheld,  and  it  fled  ; 

The  Jordan  turned  back  ; 

4  The  mountains  skipped  like  rams, 

The  hills  like  the  young  of  the  flock. 

5  What  aileth  thee,  O  sea,  that  thou  fleest  ? 

O  Jordan,  that  thou  turnest  back  ? 

6  Ye  mountains,  that  ye  skip  like  rams  ; 

Ye  hills,  like  the  young  of  the  flock? 

7  At  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  tremble,  O  earth, 

At  the  presence  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ! 

8  Who  changcth  the  rock  into  a  pool, 

The  flinty  rock  into  fountains  of  water. 


171 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTEENTH 

|0T  unto  us,  O  Jehovah !  not  unto  us, 
But  unto  Thy  Name  give  glory , 
Because  of  Thy  lovingkindness  and  Thy  truth. 

2  Wherefore  should  the  nations  say, 

''  Where  now  is  their  God?  " 

3  But  our  God  is  in  the  heavens  ; 

All  that  pleaseth  Him,  He  doeth. 

4  Their  idols  are  silver  and  gold. 

The  work  of  the  hands  of  man  ! 

5  They  have  mouths,  but  they  cannot  speak; 

Eyes  have  they,  but  they  cannot  see ; 

6  They  have  ears,  but  they  cannot  hear ; 

Noses  have  they,  but  cannot  smell ; 

7  They  have  hands,  but  cannot  handle  ; 

Feet  have  they,  but  they  cannot  walk; 
And  they  cannot  breathe  through  their  throat. 

8  They  that  make  them,  become  like  unto  them, 

With  every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

9  O  Israel,  trust  thou  in  Jehovah ! 

He  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

10  O  house  of  Aaron,  trust  in  Jehovah ! 

He  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

11  Ye  that  fear  Jehovah,  trust  in  Jehovah! 

He  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

12  Jehovah  is  mindful  of  us.  He  blesseth — 
He  blesseth  the  house  of  Israel, 

He  blesseth  the  house  of  Aaron  : 

13  He  blesseth  those  that  fear  Jehovah, 

The  small,  as  well  as  the  great. 

172 


14  Jehovah  add  unto  you  more  and  more, 

Unto  you,  and  unto  your  children. 

15  Blessed  be  ye  by  Jehovah, 

The  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ! 

16  The  heavens  are  the  heavens  of  Jehovah  ; 

But  the  earth  hath  He  given  to  the  children  of 
men. 

17  The  dead  praise  not  Jehovah, 

Neither  any  that  go  down  into  silence ; 

18  But  we  will  bless  Jehovah, 

P'rom  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTEENTH 

love  Jehovah,  because  He  heareth 

My  voice  and  my  supplications. 
2  Because  He  hath  inclined  His  ear  unto  me, 
I  will  call  upon  Him  as  long  as  I  live. 

3  The  cords  of  death  encompassed  me, 

The  tortures  of  the  underworld  seized  me ; 
I  came  into  anguish  and  sorrow. 

4  Then  called  I  upon  the  Name  of  Jehovah ; 

0  Jehovah  !  I  beseech  Thee,  deliver  my  soul. 

5  Gracious  is  Jehovah,  and  righteous ; 

Yea,  our  God  hath  compassion. 

6  Jehovah  preserveth  the  simple  ; 

1  was  brought  low,  and  He  saved  me. 

7  Return  unto  Thy  rest,  O  my  soul ! 

For  Jehovah  dealeth  bountifully  with  thee. 

173 


8  For  Thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  death, 
Mine  eyes  from  tears, 

And  my  feet  from  falling. 

9  I  walk  in  the  presence  of  Jehovah, 

In  the  land  of  the  living. 

10  I  believe  when  I  now  speak: 

— I,  that  have  been  greatly  afflicted, 

11  I,  that  said  in  my  peril, 

"  Men  are  all  faithless  !  " — 

12  What  shall  I  render  unto  Jehovah 

For  all  His  benefits  toward  me  ? 

13  I  lift  the  cup  of  salvation, 

And  call  upon  the  Name  of  Jehovah. 

14  I  pay  my  vows  unto  Jehovah, 

If  I  may,  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people. 

15  Precious  in  the  sight  of  Jehovah, 

Is  the  death  of  His» beloved, 

16  O  Jehovah  !  truly  I  am  Thy  servant ; 

I  am  Thy  servant,  the  son  of  Thy  handmaid ; 
Thou  hast  loosed  my  bonds  ; 

17  I  offer  Thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving. 

And  call  upon  the  Name  of  Jehovah. 

18  I  pay  my  vows  unto  Jehovah, 

If  I  may,  in  the  presence  of  all  His  people 

19  In  the  courts  of  the  house  of  Jehovah, 

In  the  midst  of  Thee,  O  Jerusalem  ! 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


174 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTEENTH 

RAISE  Jehovah,  all  yc  nations, 

Give  Him  glory,  all  yc  kingdoms. 
2  For  mighty  over  us  is  His  lovingkindness , 
And  the  truth  of  Jehovah  endureth  for  ever. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTEENTH 

IVE  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  for  He  is  good ; 
For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 
2  Oh  let  Israel  say , 

"  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever." 

3  Oh  let  the  house  of  Aaron  say , 

"  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever." 

4  Oh  let  those  that  fear  Jehovah  say, 

"  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever." 

5  Out  of  my  distress  I  called  upon  Jehovah; 

Jehovah  answered  me  with  relief. 

6  Jehovah  is  on  my  side,  I  have  no  fear  ; 

What  can  man  do  unto  me? 

7  Jehovah  is  on  my  side  to  help  me, 

And  I  shall  see  the  defeat  of  my  foes. 

8  It  is  better  to  take  refuge  in  Jehovah 

Than  to  put  confidence  in  man  ; 

9  It  is  better  to  take  refuge  in  Jehovah 

Than  to  put  confidence  in  princes. 
10     Let  all  the  nations  surround  me  ; 

In  the  Name  of  Jehovah  will  I  destroy  them. 
H     Let  them  surround  me,  yea,  let  them  surround  me, 

But  in  the  Name  of  Jehovah  will  I  destroy  them. 

175 


12  Let  them  surround  me  like  bees, 

They  shall  be  quenched  like  a  fire  of  thorns; 
In  the  Name  of  Jehovah  will  I  destroy  them. 

13  Thou  hast  thrust  me  sore,  that  I  might  fall, 

But  Jehovah  came  to  my  help. 

14  Jehovah  is  my  strength  and  my  song, 

And  He  is  become  my  salvation. 

15  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation 

Is  in  the  tents  of  the  righteous ; 
The  right  hand  of  Jehovah  doeth  valiantly. 

16  The  right  hand  of  Jehovah  is  exalted, 

The  right  hand  of  Jehovah  doeth  valiantly. 

17  I  shall  not  die,  but  I  shall  live 

And  recount  the  deeds  of  Jehovah. 

18  Jehovah  hath  chastened  me  sore. 

But  hath  not  given  me  over  to  death. 

19  Open  to  me  the  gates  of  righteousness ; 

I  will  enter  them  and  give  thanks  to  Jehovah. 

20  "  This  is  the  gate  of  Jehovah  ; 

They  that  are  righteous  may  enter  therein." 

21  I  give  Thee  thanks,  for  Thou  hast  answered  me, 

And  art  become  my  salvation. 

22  The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected 

Is  become  the  headstone  of  the  corner. 

23  From  Jehovah  hath  this  come  to  pass, 

And  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes. 

24  This  is  the  day  that  Jehovah  hath  made; 

Let  us  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 

25  Oh  save,  Jehovah,  we  beseech  Thee! 

Oh  prosper  us,  Jehovah,  we  beseech  Thee ! 

176 


26  Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  Name  of  Jehovah  ! 

We  bless  you  out  of  the  house  of  Jehovah. 

27  A  mighty  God  is  Jehovah,  and  He  giveth  us  light ; 
Bind  the  sacrifice  with  cords, 

Even  unto  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

2S     Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  give  thanks  unto  Thee ; 
Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  exalt  Thee. 

29     Give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  for  He  is  good ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  NINETEENTH 

N    ALEPH 

the  blessedness  of  those  whose  way  is  blameless, 

Who  walk  in  the  law  of  Jehovah ! 
2  O    the   blessedness   of   those   that   keep   His 
testimonies, 
That  seek  Him  with  their  whole  heart! 

3  Yea,  they  do  no  unrighteousness ; 

In  His  ways  do  they  walk. 

4  Thou  hast  commanded  concerning  Thy  precepts, 

That  we  observe  them  diligently. 

5  Oh  that  my  ways  were  established, 

So  that  I  should  keep  Thy  statutes. 

6  Then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed, 

When  I  have  respect  unto  all  Thy  commands. 

7  I  will  give  thanks  unto  Thee  with  an  upright  heart. 

When  I  have  learned  Thy  righteous  ordinances. 

8  I  will  observe  Thy  statutes ; 

Oh  forsake  me  not  utterly. 

177 


2    BETH 

9     How  shall  a  young  man  keep  his  way  pure? 
By  giving  heed  according  to  Thy  word. 

10  With  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  Thee ; 

Let  me  not  wander  from  Thy  commands, 

1 1  In  my  heart  I  treasure  up  Thy  sayings, 

That  I  might  not  sin  against  Thee. 

12  Blessed  art  Thou,  O  Jehovah! 

Instruct  me  in  Thy  statutes. 

13  With  my  lips  do  I  recount 

All  the  ordinances  of  Thy  mouth. 

14  In  the  way  of  Thy  testimonies  I  rejoice, 

As  much  as  in  all  riches. 

15  On  Thy  precepts  will  I  meditate, 

And  will  have  respect  to  Thy  ways. 

16  I  delight  myself  in  Thy  statutes. 

And  I  do  not  forget  Thy  word. 


i    GIMEL 

17  Deal  bountifully  with  Thy  servant,  that  I  may  live  ; 

So  will  I  observe  Thy  word. 

18  Open  Thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold 

Wondrous  things  out  of  Thy  law. 

19  I  am  a  sojourner  in  the  earth  ; 

Hide  not  Thy  commandments  from  me. 

20  My  soul  is  crushed  with  its  longing 

For  Thine  ordinances  at  all  times. 

21  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  proud,  the  accursed. 

Who  go  astray  from  Thy  commandments. 

22  Roll  away  from  me  reviling  and  contempt ; 

For  I  have  kept  Thy  testimonies. 

178 


23  Yea,  though  princes  conspire  against  me, 

Thy  servant  doth  meditate  on  Thy  statutes. 

24  Yea,  Thy  statutes  are  my  deHght, 

They  are  my  chosen  counsellors. 

1    DALETH 

25  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust  ; 

Revive  me  according  to  Thy  word. 

26  When  I  declare  my  ways  Thou  answcrest  me ; 

Instruct  me  in  Thy  statutes. 
2y     Make  me  to  understand  the  way  of  Thy  precepts , 
And  I  will  meditate  on  Thy  wondrous  works. 

28  My  soul  melteth  for  heaviness  ; 

Strengthen  Thou  me  according  to  Thy  word. 

29  Remove  from  me  the  way  of  falsehood, 

And  with  Thy  law  be  gracious  unto  me. 

30  I  have  chosen  the  way  of  faithfulness ; 

Thine  ordinances  have  I  set  before  me. 

31  I  cleave  unto  Thy  testimonies; 

O  Jehovah  !  put  me  not  to  shame. 

32  I  run  the  way  of  Thy  commandments, 

For  Thou  dost  enlarge  my  heart. 

n    HE 

33  Teach  me,  O  Jehovah  !  the  way  of  Thy  statutes, 

And  I  will  keep  it  unto  the  end. 

34  Give  me  understanding  that  I  may  keep  Thy  law, 

And  observe  it  with  my  whole  heart. 

35  Help  me  on  in  the  path  of  Thy  commandments; 

For  therein  do  I  delight. 

36  Incline  my  heart  to  Thy  testimonies. 

And  not  unto  covetousness. 

179 


37  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity ; 

In  Thy  ways  impart  life  unto  me. 

38  Confirm  unto  Thy  servant  Thy  word, 

Which  tendeth  unto  the  fear  of  Thee. 

39  Turn  away  the  reviling  whereof  I  am  afraid ; 

For  Thine  ordinances  are  good. 

40  Behold,  I  long  after  Thy  precepts ; 

Give  me  new  life  in  Thy  righteousness. 

1    VAU 

41  Let  Thy  lovingkindness  come  to  me,  O  Jehovah ! 

Thy  saving  power  according  to  Thy  word. 

42  Then  will  I  answer  him  that  revileth  me ; 

For  I  trust  in  Thy  word. 

43  Take  not  the  word  of  truth  utterly  out  of  my  mouth, 

For  I  hope  in  Thine  ordinances. 

44  So  shall  I  observe  Thy  law  continually, 

For  ever  and  alway : 

45  And  I  shall  walk  at  liberty. 

For  I  apply  myself  to  Thy  precepts. 

46  I  will  speak  of  Thy  testimonies  before  kings. 

And  shall  not  be  put  to  shame. 

47  I  will  delight  myself  in  Thy  commandments 

Which  I  love ; 

48  And  my  hands  will  I  lift  up  to  Thy  commandments 

which  I  love, 
And  I  will  meditate  upon  Thy  statutes. 

^     ZAYIN 

49  Remember  Thy  word  unto  Thy  servant ; 

Because  Thou  hast  made  me  to  hope. 

180 


50  This  is  m}'  comfort  in  my  suffering, 

That  Thy  word  givcth  mc  life. 

51  The  proud  have  held  mc  greatly  in  derision; 

Yet  I  swerve  not  from  Thy  law. 

52  I  remember  Thine  ordinances  of  old,  O  Jehovah  ! 

And  I  have  received  comfort. 

53  Indignation  hath  seized  me  because  of  the  wicked 

Who  have  forsaken  Thy  law. 

54  Thy  statutes  have  become  my  songs 

In  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage. 

55  I  remember  Thy  Name  in  the  night,  O  Jehovah! 

And  I  will  observe  Thy  law. 

56  This  is  appointed  to  me, 

That  I  should  keep  Thy  precepts. 

n    CHETH 

57  Jehovah  is  my  portion  ; 

I  have  said  that  I  would  observe  Thy  words. 

58  I  entreat  Thy  favour  with  my  whole  heart ; 

Be  gracious  to  me  according  to  Thy  word. 

59  I  thought  on  my  ways. 

And  turned  my  feet  to  Thy  testimonies : 

60  I  made  haste  and  delayed  not 

To  keep  Thy  commandments. 

61  The  cords  of  the  wicked  bind  me  around, 

But  I  do  not  forget  Thy  law. 

62  At  midnight  I  rise  to  give  Thee  thanks, 

Because  of  Thy  righteous  ordinances. 

63  I  am  a  companion  of  all  that  fear  Thee, 

Of  those  that  observe  Thy  precepts. 

64  The  earth  is  full  of  Thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah  ! 

Teach  me  Thy  statutes. 

i8r 


]^     TETH 

65  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  Thy  servant, 

O  Jehovah  !  according  to  Thy  word. 

66  Teach  me  good  judgment  and  knowledge, 

For  I  have  confidence  in  Thy  commandments. 

67  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray, 

But  now  I  observe  Thy  word. 

68  Thou  art  good,  and  doest  good  ; 

Teach  me  Thy  statutes. 

69  The  proud  have  forged  a  lie  against  me ; 

With  my  whole  heart  will  I  keep  Thy  precepts. 

70  Their  heart  is  gross,  as  with  fatness  ; 

But  I  delight  in  Thy  law. 

71  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted ; 

That  I  might  learn  Thy  statutes. 

72  Better  to  me  is  the  law  of  Thy  mouth, 

Than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver. 

^    JOD 

73  Thy  hands  made  me  and  fashioned  me  ; 

Give  me  understanding,  that   I   may  learn  Thy 
commandments. 

74  Those  that  fear  Thee  shall  see  me  and  be  glad ; 

For  I  have  hope  in  Thy  word. 

75  I  know,  O  Jehovah!  that  Thy  judgments  are  righteous, 

And  that  in  faithfulness  Thou  hast  afflicted  me. 
y6     Oh  let  Thy  lovingkindness  be  for  my  comfort, 

According  to  Thy  word  unto  Thy  servant. 
yy     Let  Thy  mercies  come  unto  me,  that  I  may  live, 

For  Thy  law  is  my  delight. 
78     Let  the  proud  be  put  to  shame  ; 

For  they  have  overthrown  me  wrongfully : 

182 


79  Let  those  that  fear  Thee  return  to  me, 

And  those  that  know  Thy  testimonies. 

80  Let  my  heart  be  blameless  in  Thy  statutes, 

That  I  be  not  put  to  shame. 

D    KAPH 

81  My  soul  fainteth  for  Thy  salvation, 

For  I  hope  in  Thy  word. 

82  Mine  eyes  fail  for  Thy  word. 

While  I  say,  "When  wilt  Thou  comfort  me?" 

83  For  I  am  become  like  a  leathern  bottle  in  the  smoke  ; 

Yet  do  I  not  forget  Thy  statutes. 

84  How  many  are  the  days  of  Thy  servant  ? 

When   wilt   Thou    execute   judgment    upon    my 
persecutors  ? 

85  The  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me. 

Those  who  live  not  according  to  Thy  law. 

86  All  Thy  commandments  are  faithful: 

They  pursue  me  with  falsehood  ;  oh  give  me  Thy  help. 

87  Very  soon  had  they  consumed  me  upon  the  earth ; 

But  I  have  not  forsaken  Thy  precepts. 

88  Revive  me  according  to  Thy  lovingkindness, 

That  I  may  observe  the  testimony  of  Thy  mouth. 

b     LAMED 

89  For  ever,  O  Jehovah, 

Thy  word  standeth  firm  in  the  heavens. 

90  Thy  faithfulness  is  unto  all  generations  ; 

Thou  hast  established  the  earth,  and  it  abideth. 

91  They  abide  this  day  according  to  Thine  ordinances, 

For  all  things  are  Thy  servants. 

183 


92  Unless  Thy  law  had  been  my  delight, 

I  should  then  have  perished  in  mine  affliction. 

93  Never  will  I  forget  Thy  precepts, 

For  with  them  Thou  hast  revived  meJ 

94  I  am  Thine  ;  save  me  ; 

For  I  seek  Thy  precepts. 

95  When  the  wicked  wait  for  me  to  destroy  me, 

I  consider  Thy  testimonies. 

96  To  all  perfection  I  have  seen  a  bound, 

But  Thy  commandment  is  exceeding  broad. 

£5    MEM 

97  Oh  how  I  love  Thy  law  ! 

It  is  my  meditation  all  the  day  long. 

98  Thy  commandments  make  me  wiser  than  my  foes, 

For  they  are  ever  with  me. 

99  I  have  more  understanding  than  all  my  teachers. 

For  Thy  testimonies  are  my  meditation. 
100     I  understand  more  than  the  aged, 

Because  I  keep  Thy  precepts, 
loi      From  every  evil  path  I  withhold  my  feet. 

That  I  may  observe  Thy  word. 

102  I  turn  not  aside  from  Thine  ordinances, 

For  Thou  dost  teach  me. 

103  How  sweet  to  my  taste  are  Thy  words, 

Sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth. 

104  Through  Thy  precepts  I  have  understanding; 

Therefore  I  hate  every  false  way. 

3    NUN 

105  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet 

And  a  light  unto  my  path. 

184 


io6     I  have  sworn,  and  have  fulfilled  it, 

That  I  would  observe  Thy  righteous  ordinances. 

107  I  am  in  great  suffering; 

0  Jehovah  !  give  me  life  according  to  Th}-  word. 

108  The  freewill  offerings  of  my  mouth. 

Accept,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  Jehovah ! 
And  Thine  ordinances  teach  me. 

109  ]\Iy  soul  is  continually  in  my  hand, 

Yet  do  I  not  forget  Thy  law. 

1 10  The  wicked  have  laid  a  snare  for  me, 

Yet  I  go  not  astray  from  Thy  precepts. 

1 1 1  Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  a  heritage  for  ever, 

For  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart. 

112  I  incline  my  heart  to  perform  Thy  statutes, 

For  ever,  even  unto  the  end. 

D    SAMECH 

113  The  double-minded  I  hate, 

But  Thy  law  do  I  love. 

1 14  Thou  art  my  hiding  place  and  my  shield, 

1  hope  in  Thy  word. 

115  Depart  from  me,  ye  evildoers. 

And  let  me  keep  the  commandments  of  my  God. 

116  Uphold  me  according  to  Thy  word,  that  I  may  live. 

And  let  me  not  be  put  to  shame  through  my  hope. 

117  Hold  Thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be  safe, 

And  I  will  regard  Thy  statutes  continually ; 

118  Thou  despisest  all  that  stray  from  Thy  statutes; 

Surely  a  vain  thing  is  their  deceit. 

119  Like  dross  Thou  puttest  away  all  the  wicked  of  the 

earth ; 
Therefore  I  love  Thy  testimonies. 

18; 


I20     My  flesh  trembleth  for  fear  of  Thee  , 

And  because  of  Thy  judgments  I  am  afraid. 


V    AIN 

121  I  have  done  justice  and  rigliteousness ; 

Thou  wilt  not  leave  me  to  mine  oppressors. 

122  Be  surety  for  Thy  servant  for  good  ; 

Let  not  the  proud  oppress  me. 

123  Mine  eyes  fail  for  Thy  salvation 

And  for  Thy  righteous  word. 

124  Deal  with  Thy  servant  in  Thy  lovingkindness, 

And  teach  me  Thy  statutes. 

125  I  am  Thy  servant ;  give  me  understanding, 

That  I  may  know  Thy  testimonies. 

126  It  is  time  for  Jehovah  to  work, 

For  they  have  made  void  Thy  law. 

127  Therefore  I  love  Thy  commandments 

Above  gold,  yea,  above  fine  gold. 

128  Therefore  I  esteem  all  Thy  precepts  concerning  all 

things  to  be  right ; 
And  I  hate  every  false  way. 


D    PE 

129  Thy  testimonies  are  wonderful ; 

Therefore  doth  my  soul  keep  them. 

130  The  unfolding  of  Thy  words  giveth  light ; 

It  giveth  understanding  unto  the  simple. 

131  I  open  wide  my  mouth  and  pant. 

For  I  long  for  Thy  commandments. 

132  Turn  Thee  unto  me  and  be  gracious  to  me, 

As  is  right  toward  those  that  love  Thy  Name. 

186 


133  Establish  my  footsteps  in  Thy  word, 

And  let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over  me. 

134  Redeem  me  from  the  oppression  of  man, 

And  I  will  observe  Thy  precepts. 

135  Make  Thy  face  to  shine  upon  Thy  servant, 

And  teach  me  Thy  statutes. 

136  Streams  of  water  run  down  mine  eyes, 

Because  men  observe  not  Thy  law. 

^    TSADDI 

137  Righteous  art  Thou,  O  Jehovah  ! 

And  upright  in  Thine  ordinances. 

138  Righteously  hast  Thou  appointed  Thy  testimonies 

And  in  exceeding  faithfulness. 

139  My  zeal  consumeth  me, 

For  my  foes  have  forgotten  Thy  words. 

140  Thy  word  is  very  pure, 

Therefore  Thy  servant  loveth  it. 

141  I  am  small  and  despised, 

Yet  do  I  not  forget  Thy  precepts. 

142  Thy  righteousness  is  right  for  ever, 

And  Thy  law  is  truth. 

143  Distress  and  anguish  have  come  upon  me, 

Yet  Thy  commandments  are  my  delight. 

144  Thy  testimonies  are  right  for  ever ; 

Give  me  understanding,  that  I  may  live. 

p  goPH 

145  I  call  with  my  whole  heart ; 

Answer  me,  O  Jehovah ! 
i  will  keep  Thy  statutes. 

187 


146  ^\^len  I  call  unto  Thee,  save  me. 

And  I  will  observe  Thy  testimonies. 

147  I  am  up  before  the  dawn  that  I  may  cr}-  for  help, 

For  I  wait  for  Thy  word. 

1 48  Mine  eyes  open  before  the  night  watches, 

That  I  may  meditate  upon  Thy  word. 

149  Hear  my  voice  according  to  Thy  lovingkindness  ; 

O  Jehovah  I  according  to  Thine  ordinances  revive  me. 

150  They  draw  near  that  follow  after  wickedness, 

That  have  gone  far  away  from  Thy  law. 

151  But  Thou  art  near,  O  Jehovah !. 

And  all  Thy  commandments  are  truth. 

152  Of  old  have  I  known  from  Thy  testimonies, 

That  Thou  hast  founded  them  for  ever. 

■^    RESH 

153  Behold  my  suffering,  and  deliver  me ; 

For  I  do  not  forget  Thy  law. 

1 54  Plead  Thou  my  cause,  and  redeem  me ; 

Revive  me  according  to  Thy  word. 

155  Salvation  is  far  from  the  wicked. 

For  they  seek  not  Thy  statutes. 

156  Thy  tender  mercies  are  many,  O  Jehovah! 

According  to  Thine  ordinances  revive  me. 

157  Many  are  my  persecutors  and  mine  adversaries; 

Yet  I  do  not  swerve  from  Thy  testimonies. 
1 5$     I  beheld  the  faithless,  and  was  grieved, 

Because  they  obser\"ed  not  Thy  word. 

159  Behold  how  I  love  Thy  precepts: 

Revive  me,  O  Jehovah,  in  Thy  lovingkindness ' 

160  The  sum  of  Thy  word  is  truth , 

And    ever}-   one   of    Thy  righteous   ordinances 
endureth  for  ever. 

1S8 


r     SHIN 

i6i     Princes  have  persecuted  me  without  cause, 

But  my  heart  standeth  in  awe  of  Thy  v\ords. 

162  I  rejoice  in  Thy  word, 

As  one  that  findeth  great  spoil. 

163  I  hate  and  abhor  lying , 

But  Thy  law  do  I  love. 

164  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  praise  Thee, 

Because  of  Thy  righteous  ordinances. 

165  Great  peace  have  those  that  love  Thy  law, 

And  they  have  no  stumblingblock. 

166  I  hope  for  Thy  salvation,  O  Jehovah  ! 

And  I  do  Thy  commandments. 

167  My  soul  observeth  Thy  testimonies, 

And  I  love  them  exceedingly. 

168  I  observe  Thy  precepts  and  Thy  testimonies ; 

For  all  my  ways  are  before  Thee. 


n    TAU 

169  Let  my  cry  come  before  Thee,  O  Jehovah  I 

According  to  Thy  word  give  me  understanding. 

170  Let  my  supplication  come  before  Thee  ; 

According  to  Thy  word,  deliver  me. 

171  My  lips  pour  forth  a  song  of  praise. 

That  Thou  teachest  me  Thy  statutes. 

172  Let  my  tongue  sing  of  Thy  word  , 

That  all  Thy  commandments  are  righteousness. 

173  Let  Thy  hand  become  my  help, 

For  I  have  chosen  Thy  precepts. 

174  I  long  for  Thy  salvation,  O  Jehovah! 

And  Thy  law  is  my  delight. 

189 


175  Let  my  soul  live,  that  it  may  praise  Thee, 

And  let  Thine  ordinances  help  me. 

176  I  go  astray  like  a  lost  sheep  ;  seek  Thy  servant ; 

For  I  do  not  forget  Thy  commandments. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTIETH 

[a  song  of  the  pilgrimages.] 

NTO  Jehovah  in  my  distress, 

I  called  and  He  answered  me. 
2  O  Jehovah!  deliver  my  soul  from  the  lying  lip, 
From  the  deceitful  tongue. 

3  What  shall  He  give  unto  thee, 

Yea,  what  shall  He  do  more  unto  thee, 
Thou  deceitful  tongue — 

4  Unto  you,  ye  sharp  arrows  of  the  mighty, 

Flaming  with  the  coals  of  broomwood  ? 

5  Alas  for  me,  that  I  sojourn  with  Meschech, 

That  I  dwell  by  the  tents  of  Kedar ! 

6  Too  long  my  soul  hath  her  dwelling 

Beside  him  that  hateth  peace. 

7  I  am  all  peace  ; 

But  if  I  speak. 
They  are  intent  upon  war. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIRST 

[a  song  of  the  pilgrimages.] 

lift  up  mine  eyes  to  the  mountains : 

Oh  whence  cometh  my  help  ? 
2  My  help  cometh  from  Jehovah, 
The  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 


190 


3  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  give  way, 

He  that  keepeth  thee,  slumbereth  not. 

4  Behold,  He  that  keepeth  Israel 

Neither  slumbereth  nor  slcepeth. 

5  It  is  Jehovah  tliat  keepeth  thee  ; 

Jehovah  is  thy  shade  at  thy  right  hand. 
(5     By  day  the  sun  shall  not  smite  thee, 
Nor  the  moon  by  night. 

7  Jehovah  keepeth  thee  from  all  evil; 

He  keepeth  thy  soul  ; 

8  Jehovah  keepeth  thy  going  out,  and  thy  coming  in, 

From  this  time  forth,  even  for  evermore. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-SECOND 

[a   song    for   the  pilgrimages.       by    DAVID.] 

rejoiced  with  those  that  said  unto  me, 
Let  us  go  to  the  house  of  Jehovah. 
2  Our  feet  have  come  to  stand 

Within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem ! 

3  Jerusalem,  that  art  builded 

As  a  city  that  is  compact  together! 

4  Thither  the  tribes  go  up — 

The  tribes  of  Jehovah — it  was  a  precept  to  Israel — 
To  give  thanks  to  the  Name  of  Jehovah ; 

5  For  thrones  of  judgment  are  set  there, 

The  thrones  of  the  house  of  David. 

6  Call  down  peace  upon  Jerusalem; 

They  shall  prosper  that  love  Thee. 

191 


7  Peace  be  within  thy  strongholds, 

•  And  prosperity  within  thy  palaces  ! 

8  For  the  sake  of  my  brethren  and  my  companions, 

Let  me  say,  "  Peace  be  within  thee  ! " 

9  For  the  sake  of  the  house  of  Jehovah   our  God, 

I  will  seek  thy  good. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-THIRD 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 
NTO  Thee  I  lift  up  mine  eyes, 


O  Thou  that  art  enthroned  in  the  heavens ! 
2  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants 

Are  upon  the  hand  of  their  master, 
As  the  eyes  of  a  maid 

Are  upon  the  hand  of  her  mistress, 
So  our  eyes  are  upon  Jehovah  our  God, 
Until  He  be  gracious  unto  us. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  us,  O  Jehovah ! 

Be  gracious  unto  us; 
For  we  are  filled  to  the  full  with  contempt ; 

4  Filled  to  the  full  is  our  soul 
With  the  derision  of  the  arrogant, 

With  the  contempt  of  the  proud. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH 

[a   song   for  the  pilgrimages.      by   DAVID.] 

F  Jehovah  had  not  been  on  our  side, 

Let  Israel  now  say — 
2  If  Jehovah  had  not  been  on  our  side, 
When  men  rose  up  against  us , 

192 


3  Then  alive  had  they  swallowed  us  up, 

When  their  anger  was  kindled  against  us  ; 

4  Then  the  waters  had  overwhelmed  us, 

The  torrent  had  gone  over  our  soul ; 

5  Then  had  they  gone  over  our  soul — 

The  waters  proudly  swelling. 

6  Blessed  be  Jehovah, 

Who  gave  us  not  as  a  prey  to  their  teeth  ! 

7  Our  soul,  like  a  bird,  hath  escaped 

From  the  snare  of  the  fowler; 
The  snare  is  broken,  and  we  have  escaped. 

8  Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  JehOvah, 

The  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

HEY  that  trust  in  Jehovah  are  like  Mount  Zion ; 
It  cannot  be  overthrown. 
But  abideth  for  ever. 

2  Jerusalem — mountains  are  round  about  her; 
So  Jehovah  is  round  about  his  people 

From  this  time  forth,  even  for  evermore. 

3  For  the  sceptre  of  wickedness  resteth  not  on  the  lot  of 

the  righteous. 
Lest  the  righteous  put  their  hands  unto  wrong. 

4  Do  good,  O  Jehovah  !  unto  those  that  are  good, 

Unto  those  that  are  upright  in  their  heart. 

193 


5     But  those  that  turn  aside  in  their  crooked  ways  — 
Jehovah  will  put  them  away 

With  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
Peace  be  upon  Israel  ! 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-SIXTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 
HEN  Jehovah  returned  to  the  captives  of  Zion, 

We  were  like  those  that  dream. 
2  Then  our  mouth  was  filled  with  laughter, 
And  our  tongue  with  a  song  of  joy  ; 
Then  was  it  said  among  the  nations, 

"  Great  things  hath  Jehovah  done  for  them." 

3  Great  things  had  Jehovah  done  for  us ; 

Therefore  we  were  glad. 

4  Return,  O  Jehovah  !  to  our  captives, 

As  the  streams  in  the  south. 

5  Those  that  sow  in  tears 

Shall  reap  with  a  song  of  joy. 

6  He  goeth,  goeth,  and  weepeth. 

Bearing  the  seed  for  sowing ; 
He  cometh,  cometh  with  a  song  of  joy, 
Bearing  his  sheaves. 

ONE    HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY- 
SEVENTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.      by  SOLOMON.] 

F  Jehovah  build  not  the  house. 

They  that  build  it  toil  thereat  in  vain : 
If  Jehovah  keep  not  watch  over  the  city, 
In  vain  waketh  its  watchman. 

194 


W^t 

1 

2  It  is  vain  for  you,  yc  that  are  early  to  rise, 

That  go  late  to  rest,  that  cat  the  bread  of  sorrows : 
For  in  their  sleep,  even  thus  He  giveth  to  His  beloved. 

3  Behold,  children  are  a  heritage  from  Jehovah, 

The  fruit  of  the  womb  is  a  reward. 

4  As  arrows  in  the  hand  of  the  valiant, 

So  are  the  sons  of  youth  ; 

5  O  the  blessedness  of   the  man  that   hath    filled    his 

quiver  therewith ! 
They  shall  not  come  to  shame, 

When  they  speak  with  enemies  in  the  gate. 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-EIGHTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

the   blessedness    of    every    one    that    feareth 
Jehovah, 
Of  him  that  walketh  in  His  ways! 

2  The  labour  of  thy  hands  thou  shalt  surely  eat ; 

Blest  art  thou,  and  it  is  well  with  thee. 

3  Thy  wife,  like  a  fruitful  vine, 

In  the  inner  rooms  of  thy  house : 
Thy  children,  as  olive-plants, 

Round  about  thy  table : 

4  Behold,  thus  is  the  man  blessed, 

That  feareth  Jehovah. 

5  Jehovah  bless  thee  out  of  Zion  ! 

Behold  thou  the  prosperity  of  Jerusalem 
All  the  days  of  thy  ]ife  ; 

6  Yea,  behold  thou  thy  children's  children. 

Peace  be  upon  Israel! 

195 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-NINTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

REATLY  they  oppressed  me  from  my  youtli. 

Oh  let  Israel  say  , 
2     Greatly  they  oppressed  me  from  my  youth, 
Yet  they  prevailed  not  against  me. 

3  The  ploughmen  ploughed  upon  my  back ; 

They  made  long  their  furrows. 

4  But  Jehovah  is  righteous  ; 

He  cut  asunder  the  cords  of  the  wicked. 

5  Let  all  the  enemies  of  Zion 

Be  put  to  shame,  and  turn  back. 

6  Let  them  become  like  grass  upon  the  housetops, 

That  withereth  before  it  is  full  grown  : 

7  With  which  the  reaper  filleth  not  his  hand, 

Nor  he  that  bindeth  sheaves,  his  bosom  ;  i 

8  And  those  that  pass  by  say  not, 

"  The  blessing  of  Jehovah  be  upon  you  ; 
We  bless  you  in  the  Name  of  Jehovah." 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTIETH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

UT  of  the  depths  I  call  upon  Thee, 

O  Jehovah ! 
2  Lord,  hearken  to  my  voice  ; 
Let  Thine  ears  be  attentive 

To  the^voice  of  my  supplications. 
3     If  Thou,  Jehovah,  shouldest  mark  iniquities^ 
O  Lord,  who  shall  stand  ? 

196 


4  But  with  Thcc  there  is  forgiveness, 

That  Thou  mayest  be  feared. 

5  I  wait  for  Jehovah,  my  soul  waiteth, 

And  in  His  word  do  I  hope. 

6  My  soul  is  on  the  watch  for  the  Lord, 

More  than  those  that  watch  for  the  morning — 
That  watch  for  the  morning. 

7  Hope  thou,  O  Israel !  in  Jehovah  ; 

For  with  Jehovah  there  is  lovingkindness, 

And  with  Him  there  is  plenteous  redemption ; 

8  And  it  is  He  that  redeemeth  Israel, 

Out  of  all  his  iniquities. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-FIRST 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.       by  DAVID.] 

Jehovah,  my  heart  is  not  haughty,   nor  mine 

eyes  lofty ; 
Neither  have  I  to  do  with  great  matters, 

And  with  things  too  wonderful  for  me. 

2  Surely  I  have  stilled  and  quieted  my  soul. 
Like  a  weaned  child  with  its  mother ; 

Like  a  weaned  child  is  my  soul  within  me. 

3  Hope  thou,  O  Israel!  in  Jehovah 

From  this  time  forth,  even  for  evermore. 


<^<^(^^^S)^ 


19/ 


ONE   HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SECOND 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

[eMEMBER,  O  Jehovah  !  for  David 

All  that  he  endured  ; 
2  How  he  made  oath  unto  Jehovah, 

He  vowed  to  the  Mighty  One  of  Jacob: 

3  "I  will  not  enter  the  tent  wherein  I  dwell, 

I  will  not  go  up  to  the  couch  whereon  I  lie ; 

4  I  will  not  give  sleep  to  mine  eyes, 

Nor  to  mine  eyelids  slumber, 

5  Until  I  find  a  place  for  Jehovah, 

A  habitation  for  the  Mighty  One  of  Jacob." 

6  Lo,  we  heard  of  it  in  Ephratah, 

We  have  found  it  in  the  field  of  Jaar. 

7  Let  us  enter  His  habitation. 

Let  us  worship  at  His  footstool. 

8  Arise,  O  Jehovah!  into  Thy  resting  place, 

Thou,  and  the  ark  of  Thy  strength. 

9  Let  Thy  priests  array  themselves  in  righteousness, 

And  Thy  beloved  shout  aloud  for  joy. 

10  For  the  sake  of  David,  Thy  servant, 

Turn  not  away  the  face  of  Thine  anointed. 

1 1  Jehovah  hath  sworn  unto  David  in  truth  ; 

He  will  not  turn  back  from  it: 
"  The  fruit  of  Thy  body  will  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

12  If  thy  children  will  keep  My  covenant. 

And  My  testimony  that  I  shall  teach  them, 
Their  children  also  shall  sit  upon  thy  throne  for  ever- 
more." 

198 


13  For  Jehovah  hath  chosen  Zion, 

lie  hath  desired  it  for  His  abode.* 

14  "This  is  My  resting  place  forever; 

Here  will  I  dwell,  for  I  have  desired  it. 

15  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision  ; 

I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread. 

16  Her  priests  will  I  clothe  with  salvation, 

And  her  gracious  ones  shall  shout  aloud  for  joy. 

17  There  will  I  make  a  horn  to  shoot  forth  for  David ; 

I  have  prepared  a  lamp  for  Mine  anointed. 

18  His  enemies  will  I  clothe  with  shame. 

But  upon  himself  shall  his  crown  flourish." 


ONE    HUNDRED    AND    THIRTY-THIRD 

[a  song  fur  the  pilgrimages.       by  DAVID.] 

EHOLD  how  goodly  and  how  pleasant  it  is 

For  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity ! 
2  It  is  like  the  precious  oil  upon  the  head. 
Flowing  down  upon  the  beard — 
The  beard  of  Aaron, 

Flowing  down  upon  the  border  of  his  garments. 
It  is  like  the  dew  of  Hermon, 

That  descendeth  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion  ; 
For  there  hath  Jehovah  commanded  the  blessing, 
Even  life  for  evermore. 


^^%r 


199 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-FOURTH 

[a  song  for  the  pilgrimages.] 

* 

EHOLD,  bless  ye  Jehovah,  „    . 

All  yc  servants  of  Jehovah, 
That  stand  waiting  in  the  house  of  Jehovah ! 

2  Lift  up  your  hands  to  the  sanctuary, 

And  bless  ye  Jehovah  ! 

3  Jehovah  bless  thee  out  of  Zion— 

He  that  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth ! 


ONE    HUNDRED   AND    THIRTY-FIFTH 

[raise  ye  Jehovah  ! 

Oh  praise  ye  the  Name  of  Jehovah ; 
Praise  Him,  ye  servants  of  Jehovah — 
2     Ye  that  stand  in  the  house  of  Jehovah, 

In  the  courts  of  the  house  of  our  God ! 


3  Praise  ye  Jehovah  ;  for  Jehovah  is  good  : 

Make  melody  to  His  Name,  for  it  is  gracious. 

4  For  Jehovah  hath  chosen  Jacob  for  Himself, 

Israel  for  His  own  possession. 


5  For  I  know  that  Jehovah  is  great ; 

Our  Lord  is  greater  than  all  the  gods. 

6  Whatsoever  Jehovah  pleased,  that  hath  He  done 
In  the  heavens,  and  on  the  earth, 

In  the  seas  and  in  all  the  depths : 

7  He  bringeth  up  vapours  from  the  ends  of  the  earth ; 
He  maketh  lightnings  for  the  rain; 

He  bringeth  forth  the  wind  out  of  His  treasuries. 

200 


8  It  is  He  that  smote  the  firstborn  of  Egypt, 

From  man,  even  unto  the  boast, 

9  lie  sent  signs  and  wonders  into  the  midst  of  thee,  O 

Egypt ! 
Upon  Pharaoh,  and  u[)on  all  his  servants  : 

10  Who  smote  many  nations, 

And  slew  mighty  kings: 

1 1  Sihon,  king  of  the  Amorites, 

And  Og,  king  of  Bashan, 
And  all  the  kingdoms  of  Canaan; 

12  And  gave  their  land  for  a  heritage, 

A  heritage  to  Israel  His  people. 

13  O  Jehovah!  Thy  Name  cndureth  forever, 
Thy  Memorial,  O  Jehovah,  to  all  generations. 

14  For  Jehovah  ruleth  over  His  people. 

And  repenteth  concerning  His  servants. 

15  The  idols  of  the  nations  are  silver  and  gold ; 

They  are  the  work  oi  the  hands  of  men. 

16  They  have  a  mouth,  but  they  speak  not ; 

Eyes  have  they,  but  they  sec  not ; 

17  Ears  have  they,  but  they  hear  not ; 

And  there  is  no  breath  in  their  mouth. 

18  Those  that  make  them  become  like  unto  them, 

Yea,  every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

19  O  house  of  Israel,  bless  ye  Jehovah  ! 

O  house  of  Aaron,  bless  ye  Jehovah ! 

20  O  house  of  Levi,  bless  ye  Jehovah  ! 

Ye  that  fear  Jehovah,  bless  ye  Jehovah! 

21  Blessed  be  Jehovah  out  of  Zion — 

He  that  dwelleth  at  Jerusalem. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 

201 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SIXTH 

H  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  for  He  is  good ; 
For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever  : 
2  Oh  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

3  Oh  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  of  lords ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

4  To  Him  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

5  To  Him  who  by  wisdom  made  the  heavens; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

6  To  Him  who  spread  out  the  earth  above  the  waters; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

7  To  Him  who  made  the  great  lights ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

8  The  sun  for  dominion  in  the  day ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

9  The  moon  and  stars  for  dominion  by  night ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 

10  To  Him  that  smote  Egypt  in  their  firstborn  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

1 1  And  brought  Israel  out  of  the  midst  of  them  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

12  With  a  strong  hand,  and  an  outstretched  arm  : 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

13  To  Him  who  divided  the  Red  Sea  asunder; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

14  And  made  Israel  to  pass  through  the  midst  of  it ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

202 


15     But  cast  into  the  Red  Sea  Pharaoh  and  his  host; 
For  His  lovingkindness  cndurcth  for  ever: 

i6     To  Him  who  led  His  people  in  the  wilderness; 
For  Mis  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

17  To  Him  who  smote  great  kings; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

18  ^Vnd  who  slew  kings  of  renown  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

19  Sihon,  king  of  the  Amorites  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

20  And  Og,  king  of  Bashan  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

21  And  gave  their  land  as  a  heritage  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

22  A  heritage  to  Israel  His  servant ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

23  Who  remembered  us  in  our  low  estate ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

24  And  rescued  us  from  our  adversaries  ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

25  He  giveth  food  to  all  flesh ; 

For  His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever: 

26  Oh  give  thanks  to  the  Mighty  One  of  heaven; 

For  His  lovintrkindness  endureth  for  ever. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SEVENTH 

ll  Y  the  rivers  of  Babylon, 

There  we  sat  down,  yea,  we  wept, 
When  we  remembered  Zion. 

203 


2  Upon  the  willows  in  the  midst  thereof 

We  hanged  up  our  harps. 

3  For  there  our  captors  asked  of  us  songs, 

Our  tormentors  asked  of  us  gladness  ; 
"  Sing  for  us  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion." 

4  How  shall  we  sing  a  song  of  Jehovah 

In  a  foreign  land  ? 

5  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem  ! 

Let  my  right  hand  forget  its  power: 

6  Let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth. 

If  I  remember  thee  not , 
If  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy, 

7  Remember,  O  Jehovah !  against  the  sons  of  Edom 

The  day  at  Jerusalem  ; 
Who  said,  "  Raze  it,  raze  it, 

Even  to  the  foundation  thereof." 

8  O  daughter  of  Babylon,  that  art  to  be  desolated, 
Happy  shall  he  be  that  requiteth  thee 

Thy  deeds  which  thou  didst  unto  us: 

9  Happy  shall  he  be  that  seizeth  thy  little  ones 

And  dasheth  them  ag-ainst  the  rock. 


ONE    HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-EIGHTH 

[by   DAVID.] 

give  Thee  thanks  with  my  whole  heart ; 

Before  the  gods  I  make  melody  to  Thee. 
2  I  worship  toward  Thy  holy  temple,  and  give 
thanks  unto  Thy  Name, 
Because  of  Thy  lovingkindness  and  Thy  truth  ; 
For  above  all  Thy  Name  Thou  hast  magnified  Thy  word. 

204 


3  In  the  day  that  I  called  Thou  answeredst  me; 

Thou  didst  embolden  me  with  strength  in  my  soul. 

4  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  will  give  Thee  thanks,  O 

Jehovah ! 
When  they  have  heard  the  words  of  Thy  mouth  ; 

5  And  they  will  sing  of  the  ways  of  Jehovah  ; 

For  great  is  the  glory  of  Jehovah. 

6  For  Jehovah  is  high,  yet  He  looketh  upon  the  lowly, 

But  the  proud  He  knoweth  from  afar. 

7  If  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  distress,  Thou  revivest  me; 
Against  the  wrath  of  mine  enemies, 

Thou  puttest  forth  Thy  hand, 
And  savest  me  by  Thy  right  hand. 

8  Jehovah  will  perfect  His  work  in  my  behalf; 

O  Jehovah  !  Thy  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever; 
Forsake  not  the  works  of  Thy  hands. 


ONE    HUNDRED    AND    THIRTY-NINTH 

[for  the    chief   musician.       by  DAVID.       A  PSALM.] 

Jehovah  !  Thou  searchest  me  and  knowest — 
3  Thou  knowest  my  sitting  and  my  rising. 
Thou  discernest  my  thought  from  afar ! 

3  M}-  path  and  my  couch  thou  siftest. 

And  art  familiar  with  all  my  ways. 

4  For  before  a  word  is  yet  on  my  tongue, 

Lo  !  O  Jehovah,  Thou  knowest  it  all ! 

5  Behind  and  before  Thou  art  close  around  me, 

And  puttest  down  over  me  Thy  hand — 

205 


6  Knowledge  too  wonderful  for  me ! 

It  is  too  high  !  I  cannot  reach  it ! 

7  Whither  shall  I  go  from  Thy  spirit, 

Or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  Thy  presence? 

8  If  I  mount  the  heavens,  Thou  art  there; 

Or  let  me  spread  my  bed  in  the  underworld, 
Behold  !  Thou  art  there  ; 

9  Or  let  me  lift  the  wings  of  the  dawn. 

And  settle  down  far  west  of  the  sea , 

10  Even  there  shall  Thy  hand  lead  me. 

And  Thy  right  hand  shall  grasp  me ; 

11  Or  should  I  say,  "  Only  let  darkness  cover  me, 

And  the  light  about  me  become  night ! " 

12  Even  darkness  is  not  too  dark  for  Thee, 
But  the  night  shineth  as  the  day; 

Alike  unto  Thee  are  the  darkness  and  the  light. 

13  For  Thou  didst  create  my  inmost  being — 

Thou  didst  weave  me  together  when  not  yet  born. 

14  I  give  Thee  thanks, 

For  I  am  fearfully  distinguished  ! 
Wonderful  are  Thy  works. 

As  my  soul  knoweth  right  well. 

15  My  frame  was  not  hid  from  Thee, 
When  I  was  made  in  secret, 

Skilfully  wrought  in  the  depths  of  the  earth. 

16  Though  yet  imperfect.  Thine  eyes  saw  me, 

And  in  Thy  book  they  were  all  written — 
The  days  that  were  shaped  out. 

When  as  yet  there  were  none  of  them. 

17  Unto  me,  then,  how  precious  are  Thy  thoughts ! 

How  vast,  O  God,  is  their  sum  ! 

206 


1 8  I  will  count  them,  though  they  arc  more  than  the  sand 

For  I  awake  and  am  ever  with  Thee. 

19  If  Thou  wouldst  slay  the  wicked,  O  God! 

— Ye  bloodstained  men,  depart  from  me — 

20  Who  utter  Thy  Name  in  their  plottings  ; 

It  is  taken  in  vain  by  Thy  foes. 

21  Those  who  hate  Thee,  O  God  !  do  I  not  hate? 

Those  who  rebel  against  Thee,  do  I  not  abhor? 

22  With  perfect  hatred  do  I  hate  them  ; 

They  have  become  mine  enemies, 

23  Search  me,  O  God  !  and  know  my  heart , 

Prove  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  ; 

24  And  see  if  there  be  any  way  of  sorrow  in  me  , 

And  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 


ONE    HUNDRED    AND    FORTIETH 

[for  the  chief  musician.       a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

ELIVER  me,  O  Jehovah  !  from  the  evil  man, 


From  the  man  of  violence  preserve  me ; 
2  Who  purpose  evil  deeds  in  their  heart ; 
They  stir  up  wars  continually. 

3  They  sharpen  their  tongue  like  a  serpent, 

The  poison  of  adders  is  under  their  lips.     [Selah.] 

4  Keep  me,  O  Jehovah  !  from  the  hands  of  the  wicked, 

From  the  man  of  violence  preserve  me. 
Who  purposeth  to  thrust  aside  my  steps. 

5  The  proud  have  hid  snares  for  me  and  cords ; 
They  have  spread  nets  by  the  side  of  the  path ; 

They  have  set  traps  for  me.     [Selah.] 

207 


6  I  say  unto  Jehovah,  "  Thou  art  my  God  :  " 

Give  ear,  O  Jehovah  !  to  my  suppHcating  voice. 

7  O  Jehovah  !  Lord  !  the  stronghold  of  my  salvation, 

Thou  art  my  helmet  in  the  day  of  arming. 

8  Grant  not,  O  Jehovah  !  the  desires  of  the  wicked  ; 

Let  all  their  plotting  come  to  nought. 

[Selah.] 

9  When  those  that  encompass  me  lift  up  their  head, 

Let  the  evil  of  their  own  lips  cover  them. 

10  Let  burning  coals  be  thrown  upon  them, 
Let  them  be  cast  into  the  fire — 

Into  an  abyss  whence  they  shall  not  arise, 

1 1  The  slanderer  shall  not  be  established  in  the  earth  ; 

The  cruel  man — evil  hunteth  him  to  headlong  ruin. 

12  I  know  that  Jehovah  upholdeth  the  sufferer's  cause. 

He  maintaineth  the  right  of  the  helpless. 

13  Surely  the  righteous  shall  give  thanks  to  Thy  Name, 

The  upright  shall  dwell  in  Thy  presence. 

ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FIRST 

[a  psalm  of  DAVID.] 

Jehovah  !  I  call  Thee  !  make  haste  to  me  ! 

When  I  call  to  Thee,  give  ear  to  my  voice. 
2  Let  my  prayer  come  as  incense  before  Thee  , 
The  lifting  of  my  hands  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

Set  a  watch,  O  Jehovah !  upon  my  mouth, 

A  guard  upon  the  door  of  my  lips. 
Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil  thing, 

To  busy  itself  in  wickedness  with  evil  doers ; 
And  let  me  not  feed  upon  their  dainties. 

208 


5  Let  the  righteous  in  kindness  smite  and  correct  me ; 

It  is  oil  upon  the  head — let  my  head  not  refuse ; 
But  the  wickedness  of  these,  my  prayer  shall  contin- 
ually resist. 

6  When  their  rulers  arc  hurled  down  by  the  sides  of 

the  cliff, 
They  will  hear  my  words,  which  are  gracious. 


7  As  when  one  plougheth  and  cleaveth  the  earth, 

Our  bones  are  scattered  at  the  mouth  of  the  pit ; 

8  But  unto  Thee,  O  Jehovah  the  Lord!  are  mine  eyes; 

I  hide  me  in  Thee  ;  oh,  yield  not  my  soul  unto  death. 

9  Keep  me  from  the  snare  which  they  have  laid  for  me, 

From  the  trap  of  the  iniquitous  ; 
lo     Let  the  wicked  fall  into  their  own  net, 
While  I  altogether  escape. 


ONE  HUNDRED   AND  FORTY-SECOND 

[mASKIL.         a  prayer  of  DAVID  WHEN  HE  WAS  IN  THE  CAVE.] 

ITH  my  voice  unto  Jehovah  I  cry, 

With  my  voice  unto  Jehovah  I  make  suppli- 
cation. 
I  pour  out  before  Him  my  complaint ; 
Before  Him  I  set  forth  my  distress. 
When  my  spirit  fainteth  within  me, 

TlIOU  knowest  my  path — 
How  they  have  hidden  snares  for  me  in  the  way  that 
I  walk. 

209 


4  Look  on  the  right  hand,  and  see ; 

There  is  no  man  that  knoweth  me : 
Refuge  hath  failed  me. 

No  man  careth  for  my  soul. 

5  I  cry  unto  Thee,  O  Jehovah  I 
I  say,  '*  Thou  art  my  refuge, 

^ly  portion  in  the  land  of  the  living." 

6  Attend  unto  my  wailing. 

For  I  am  ver\-  wretched  : 
Deliver  me  from  my  persecutors, 

For  they  are  stronger  than  I. 

7  Bring  forth  my  soul  out  of  prison. 

To  give  thanks  unto  Thy  Name ; 
The  righteous  will  compass  me  about, 

When  Thou  dealest  bountifully  with  me. 


OXE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-THIRD 

[a  psaxm  of  D.waD.] 

EAR  my  prayer,  O  Jehovah  I 

Give  ear  to  my  supplications  ; 
In  Thy  faithfulness  answer  me. 
And  in  Thy  righteousness. 

2  Enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy  servant, 

For  no  one  living  is  righteous  before  Thee  ; 

3  For  the  enemy  pursueth  my  soul, 

He  crusheth  to  the  earth  my  life: 
He  maketh  me  to  dwell  in  dark  places, 
Like  the  dead  of  far  off  time. 

4  Therefore  my  spirit  fainteth  within  me; 

My  heart  within  me  is  benumbed. 

210 


5  I  remember  the  days  of  old, 

I  ponder  upon  all  Thy  doings, 
I  muse  upon  the  work  of  Thy  hands. 

6  I  spread  forth  ni}-  hands  unto  Thee  ; 

My  soul  longeth  for  Thee  as  a  thirsty  land. 

[Selah.] 

7  Answer  me  speedily,  O  Jehovah ! 

For  my  spirit  faileth  ; 
Hide  not  Thy  face  from  me , 

That  I  be  not  like  those  that  go  down  into  the 
grave. 

8  Let  me  hear  Thy  lovingkindness  in  the  morning, 

For  in  Thee  do  I  trust ; 
Make  me  to  know  the  way  in  which  I  should  walk, 
For  unto  Thee  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

9  Deliver  me  from  mine  enemies,  O  Jehovah  ! 

I  flee  unto  Thee  to  hide  me. 

10  Teach  me  to  do  Thy  will,  for  Thou  art  my  God  ; 

Let  Thy  good  Spirit  lead  me  in  an  even  land. 

11  For  Thy  Name's  sake,  O  Jehovah,  let  me  live  ; 

In  Thy  righteousness,  bring  my  soul  out  of  distress  ; 

12  In  Thy  lovingkindness  cut  off  mine  enemies. 
And  let  all  that  oppress  my  soul  perish ; 

For  I  am  Thy  servant. 


ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FOURTH 

[by    DAVID.] 

LESSED  be  Jehovah  my  rock, 

Who  traineth  my  hands  for  war, 
My  fingers  for  the  battle  ; 

211 


2  That  dealeth  kindly  with  me,  and  protecteth  me ; 

My  high  tower,  and  my  deliverer; 
My  shield,  and  He  in  whom  I  take  refuge ; 

He  that  subdueth  my  people  under  me. 

3  O  Jehovah  !  what  is  man,  that  Thou  knowest  him , 

The  son  of  a  mortal  that  Thou  valuest  him ! 

4  As  for  man,  he  is  like  a  breath; 

His  days  are  as  a  shadow  that  vanisheth. 

5  O  Jehovah  !  bow  Thy  heavens  and  come  down. 

Touch  the  mountains  that  they  smoke. 

6  Flash  out  lightnings,  and  scatter  them  ; 

Shoot  forth  Thine  arrows,  and  discomfit  them. 

7  Reach  Thy  hand  from  on  high. 

Snatch  me  and  deliver  me  out  of  great  waters, 
Out  of  the  hand  of  aliens , 

8  Whose  mouth  speaketh  deception. 

And  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falsehoodr 

9  O  God !  a  new  song  will  I  sing  unto  Thee, 

With  a  lute  of  ten  strings  will  I  make  melody  to 
Thee. 

10  It  is  He  that  giveth  salvation  to  kings, 

That  rescueth  David  His  servant  from  the  hurtful 
sword. 

11  Rescue  me,  and  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  aliens. 
Whose  mouth  speaketh  fraud, 

And  their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  of  falsehood. 

12  So  that  our  sons  may  be  as  young  trees 

Full  grown  in  their  youth ; 
Our  daughters  as  corner  pillars 

Carved  after  the  pattern  of  a  palace  ; 

212 


!3     Our  garners  full,  containing  store  of  every  kind  ; 
Our  flocks  bearing  thousands, 

Yea,  myriads  in  our  pastures  ; 

14  Our  oxen  laden  Avithout  breakage  or  loss, 

And  with  no  cry  for  help  in  our  streets. 

15  O  the  blessedness  of  the  people  with  whom  it  is  thus, 

The   blessedness   of    the   people   whose    God    is 
Jehovah ! 

ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FIFTH 

[a  song  of  praise.       by  DAVID.] 

will  extol  Thee,  my  God,  O  King ! 
And  I  will  bless  Thy  Name  for  ever  and  ever. 
Every  day  will  I  bless  Thee, 
And  praise  Thy  Name  for  ever  and  ever. 

3  Great  is  Jehovah,  and  most  worthy  to  be  praised. 

And  His  greatness  is  unsearchable. 

4  Generation  unto  generation  shall  laud  Thy  works. 

And  shall  declare  Thy  mighty  acts. 

5  Of  the  glorious  splendour  of  Thy  majesty. 

And  of  Thy  wondrous  works, will  I  meditate. 

6  And  men  shall  declare  the  might  of  Thy  terrible  acts ; 

And  I  will  recount  Thy  greatness. 

7  The  memory  of  Thy  great  goodness  will  they  utter. 

And  will  sing  for  joy  of  Thy  righteousness. 

8  Gracious  and  merciful  is  Jehovah, 

Longsuffering,  and  of  great  lovingkindness. 

9  Jehovah  is  good  to  all. 

And  His  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works. 
10     All  Thy  works,  O  Jehovah  !  praise  Thee, 

And  those  whom  Thou  lovest  bless  Thee ; 

213 


1 1  They  tell  of  the  glory  of  Thy  kingdom, 

And  speak  of  Thy  power ; 

12  To  make  known  to  the  sons  of  men  His  mighty  acts, 

And  the  glorious  splendour  of  His  kingdom. 

13  Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom  ; 

Thy  dominion  endureth  through  all  generations. 

14  Jehovah  upholdeth  all  that  fall, 

And  lifteth  up  all  that  are  bowed  down. 

15  The  eyes  of  all  look  with  hope  unto  Thee, 

And  Thou  givest  them  their  food  in  its  season; 

16  Thou  openest  Thy  hand, 

And  satisfiest  the  desire  of  ever>-  living  thing. 

17  Jehovah  is  righteous  in  all  His  ways. 

And  He  is  gracious  in  all  His  works. 

18  Jehovah  is  near  to  all  that  call  upon  Him, 

To  all  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth. 

19  He  fulfiUeth  the  desire  of  those  that  fear  Him  ; 

He  heareth  their  cry  for  help,  and  saveth  them. 

20  Jehovah  preserveth  all  that  love  Him  , 

But  all  the  wicked  will  He  destroy. 

21  The  praise  of  Jehovah,  let  my  mouth  speak, 

And  let  all  flesh  bless  His  holy  Name    for  ever 
and  ever. 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SIXTH. 


RAISE  YE  Jehovah  ! 

Praise  Jehovah,  O  my  soul ! 
2     While  I  live  will  I  praise  Jehovah! 
I  will  make  melody  to  my  God  while  I  have  being. 

214 


3  Put  not  your  trust  in  princes — 

In  a  son  of  man  in  whom  there  is  no  help. 

4  His  breath  departeth,  he  returneth  to  his  earth  ; 

In  that  day  his  devices  perish. 

5  O  the  blessedness  of  him 

Whose  help  is  in  the  Mighty  One  of  Jacob, 
Whose  hope  is  in  Jehovah,  his  God: 

6  Who  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 

The  sea,  and  all  that  is  in  them  : 
Who  keepeth  truth  for  ever ; 

7  Who  executeth  justice  for  the  oppressed  ; 

Who  giveth  bread  to  the  hungry — 
Jehovah,  who  looscth  those  that  arc  bound. 

8  Jehovah  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind ; 

Jehovah  raiseth  up  those  that  are  bowed  down  ; 
Jehovah  loveth  the  righteous. 

9  Jehovah  preserveth  the  strangers  ,• 

The  orphan  and  widow  He  sustaineth  ; 
But  the  way  of  the  wicked  He  will  overturn, 
lo     Jehovah  reigneth  for  ever, 

Thy  God,  O  Zion  !  to  all  generations. 

Praise  ye  Jehovah! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SEVENTH 

RAISE  ye  Jehovah! 

For  it  is  good  to  make  melody  to  our  God ; 
Yea,  it  is  pleasant ;   a  hymn  of  praise  is  seemly. 
Jehovah,  the  builder  of  Jerusalem, 
Gathereth  the  outcasts  of  Israel : 

215 


3  He  that  healeth  the  broken  in  heart, 

And  that  reheveth  their  sorrows. 

4  He  giveth  to  the  stars  their  numbers; 

He  calleth  them  all  by  name. 

5  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  abundant  in  power; 

His  understanding  is  infinite. 

6  Jehovah  helpeth  up  the  suffering, 

But  casteth  the  wicked  to  the  ground. 

7  Sing  to  Jehovah  with  thanksgiving; 

Make  melody  to  our  God  with  the  harp : 

8  Who  covereth  the  heavens  with  clouds  ; 

Who  prepareth  rain  for  the  earth  ; 
Who  maketh  grass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains. 

9  He  giveth  to  the  cattle  their  food, 

And  to  the  raven's  brood  when  they  call. 

10  Not  in  the  strength  of  the  horse  doth  He  delight, 

Nor  in  the  might  of  a  man  hath  He  pleasure  ; 

1 1  Jehovah  hath  pleasure  in  those  that  fear  Him, 

In  those  that  hope  in  His  lovingkindness. 

12  Glorify  Jehovah,  O  Jerusalem  ! 

Praise  Thy  God,  O  Zion  ! 

13  For  He  hath  fastened  the  bars  of  thy  gates; 

He  hath  blessed  thy  children  within  thee. 

14  It  is  He  that  giveth  peace  to  thy  borders, 

That  filleth  thee  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat ; 

15  That  sendeth  His  command  to  the  earth; 

His  word  runneth  very  swiftly; 

16  That  giveth  snow  like  wool ; 

That  scattereth  the  hoarfrost  like  ashes. 

17  He  casteth  forth  His  ice  like  morsels; 

Who  can  stand  before  His  cold  ? 

216 


1 8  He  sendeth  His  word,  and  melteth  them  ; 

His  breath  He  puttcth  forth,  and  the  waters  flow. 

19  He  hath  shown  His  word  unto  Jacob, 

His  statutes  and  ordinances  unto  Israel. 

20  He  hath  not  dealt  so  with  any  nation, 

And  His  ordinances — they  have  not  known  them. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-EIGHTH 

RAISE  YE  Jehovah  ! 

Praise  Jehovah  from  the  heavens  ; 
Praise  Him  in  the  heights  ; 

2  Praise  Him,  all  His  angels  ; 

Praise  Him,  all  His  hosts. 

3  Praise  Him,  sun  and  moon  ; 

Praise  Him,  all  ye  stars  of  iight; 

4  Praise  Him,  ye  heavens  of  heavens, 

And  ye  waters  that  are  above  the  heavens. 

5  Let  them  praise  the  Name  of  Jehovah ; 

For  Pie  commanded,  and  they  were  created; 

6  And  He  established  them  for  ever  and  ever; 

He  made  a  decree,  which  they  do  not  transgress. 

7  Praise  Jehovah  from  the  earth, 

Ye  sea  monsters,  and  all  depths; 

8  Fire  and  hail,  snow  and  vapour. 

Stormy  wind,  fulfilling  His  word; 

9  Ye  mountains  and  all  hills  ; 

Fruit  trees  and  all  cedars ; 

217 


10  Beasts  and  all  cattle  ; 

Creeping  things  and  birds  that  fly; 

1 1  Kings  of  the  earth  and  all  nations  ; 

Princes  and  all  judges  of  the  earth  ; 

12  Both  young  men  and  maidens  ; 

Old  men  with  children. 

13  Let  them  praise  the  Name  of  Jehovah; 

For  His  Name  alone  is  exalted  ; 
His  majesty  is  above  earth  and  heaven. 

14  And  He  hath  lifted  up  a  horn  for  His  people, 

As  a  praise  for  all  His  beloved, 
For  the  children  of  Israel,  a  people  near  to  Him. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-NINTH 

RAISE  ye  Jehovah  ! 

Sing  to  Jehovah  a  new  song, 
A  hymn  of  praise  in  the  assembly  of  His  beloved  ! 

2  L'et  Israel  rejoice  in  Him  that  made  him. 

Let  the  sons  of  Zion  exult  in  their  King. 

3  Let  them  praise  His  name  in  the  dance ; 

On  the  timbrel  and  harp  let  them  play  to  Him. 

4  For  Jehovah  hath  pleasure  in  His  people; 

He  beautifieth  the  suffering  with  salvation. 

5  Let  His  beloved  exult  in  glory; 

Let  them  sing  for  joy  upon  their  beds. 

6  The  praises  of  God  are  in  their  mouth. 

And  a  two-edged  sword  in  their  hand, 

218 


7  To  execute  vengeance  among  the  heathen, 

Punishments  upon  the  nations  ; 

8  To  bind  their  kings  with  chains, 

Their  nobles  with  fetters  of  iron  ; 

9  To  execute  upon  them  the  sentence  recorded — 

This  honour  have  all  His  beloved. 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


ONE    HUNDRED  AND  FIFTIETH 

RAISE  ye  Jehovah  ! 

Praise  God  in  His  sanctuary; 
Praise  Him  in  the  sky,  spread  out  by  His  power: 
Praise  Him  for  His  mighty  acts  ; 

Praise  Him  according  to  His  abundant  greatness; 
Praise  Him  with  the  blast  of  the  trumpet ; 

Praise  Him  with  the  lute  and  harp: 
Praise  Him  with  the  timbrel  and  dance ; 

Praise  Him  upon  strings  and  pipe : 
Praise  Him  with  the  clear  cymbals ; 

Praise  Him  with  cymbals  of  clashing  sound  : 
Let  everything  that  hath  breath  praise  Jehovah ! 
Praise  ye  Jehovah  ! 


219 


SPECIMEN   OF   EXPLANATORY   NOTES  REFERRED   TO   IN 
THE   PREFACE. 


Appendix. 


EXPLANATORY  NOTES. 


Prefatory. — It  will  be  seen  that  the  appended  notes  are  occasional,  and 
usually  brief.  With  few  e.xceptions  they  are  restricted  to  the  more  impor- 
tant variations  from  the  Authorized  Version,  and  to  words  and  phrases  whose 
exact  literal  rendering  is  too  Hebraistic,  not  conveying  the  thought  of  the 
original  in  clear  and  idiomatic  English.  In  many  Psalms  no  such  notes  are 
required. 

The  more  extended  observations  usually  occur  at  the  first  appearance  of 
important  words.  The  reader  is  afterward  referred  back  to  them  when  nec- 
essary. It  is  principally  in  consequence  of  this  that  the  first  50  Psalms 
occupy  more  space  in  the  Appendix  than  the  last  100. 

Though  not  intended  as  commentary,  in  the  usual  sense  of  the  word,  it  is 
hoped  that  these  notes  will  be  helpful  to  those  who  are  studying  the  Psalms, 
enabling  them  to  enter  more  fully  into  the  spirit  of  these  Divine  and  glorious 
compositions,  which  are  often  illuminated  by  the  improved  translation  of  a 
single  word  or  phrase. 

The  English  version  now  in  use  is  referred  to  as  the  A.  V. 

The  letters  a,  l>,  c,  after  a  number,  indicate  the  line  of  the  verse  to  which 
the  note  relates. 

In  the  transcription  of  Hebrew  letters  into  their  English  equivalents,  K 
will  be  represented  by  ';  V  by  ';  n  by  /i'';  [5  by  q. 

Sh^va  vocal,  whether  simple  or  composite,  will  be  given  by  •".  The 
circumflexed  vowels,  o,  w,  %  and  e,  represent  the  quiescency  of  1  and  '  in 
u,  o,  i  and  e. 

PSALM  I. 

Ver.  i.fl — BLESSEDNESS  OF:  '•"It^'K,  {asJin':)  lit.  happinesses  of;  always 
found,  as  here,  in  the  plural,  in  construction  with  a  following  genitive,  and 
as  to  its  own  case,  absolute,  or  exclamatory. 

The  Hebrew  word  is  not  related  to  the  verb  barak,  to  bless.  Ilappitiess 
might  be  adopted  as  a  more  exact  rendering,  if  it  were  not  so  commonly 
degraded  to  meaner  service.  There  is  point  in  the  characteristic  sentences 
of  Thomas  Carlyle  :   '^  Es  leuchtet  mir  ein  !    I  get  a  glimpse  of  it  !    There  is 


ia  tnan  a  Higher  than  love  of  Happiness.  He  can  do  without  Happiness,  and 
instead  thereof  find  Blessedness.  Was  it  not  to  preach  forth  this  same 
Higher,  that  sages  and  martyrs,  the  Poet  and  the  Priest,  in  all  times  have 
spoken  and  suffered,  bearing  testimony,  through  life  and  through  death,  of 
the  Godlike  that  is  in  man,  and  how  in  the  Godlike  only  has  he  Freedom 
and  Strength."     Sartor  Resartus,  Chap.  ix. 

Ver.  3. a — So  he  becometh   A.  V.  and  he  shall  be  \T>1  {vay^hx.) 

1  By  vav  consecutive  the  tense  is  identified  with  the  preceding  present, 
and  should  be  so  translated,  and  not  as  future. 

2  The  relation  thereby  indicated  is  that  of  sequence  and  conformity,  and 
might  often  be  translated  by  the  particle  so,  as  in  Ixxviii.  29,  60,  Gen.  i.  27, 
Prov.  iv.  10,  22,  etc. 

3  The  verb  haydh  has  most  frequently  the  signification  to  cotne  to  be,  or 
become.  Our  lexicons  fail  to  note  this  with  sufficient  distinctness.  It  is 
usually  recognized  in  the  Septuagint  Version,  but  is  not  found  as  often  as  it 
should  be  in  the  English  Bible.  Yet  it  is  conceded  more  than  eight  hundred 
times  in  the  good  English  phrase,  and  it  came  to  pass.  When  only  the 
copula  is  needed,  without  reference  to  transition  from  one  condition  to 
another,  the  Hebrew  idiom  requires  no  verb.  See  ver.  4,  "But  he  is  like 
chaff  " 

The  result  of  the  rendering  adopted  is  to  exhibit  more  clearly  the  thought 
that  by  a  permanent  constitution,  established  by  Him  who  at  the  beginning 
made  everything  after  its  kind,  the  law  of  God,  received  into  the  heart  as  its 
ruling  principle,  becomes  to  the  spirit  and  life  of  man,  what  water  is  to  the 
tree,  nourishment  and  strength,  resulting  in  all  beauty  and  fruitfulness. 

Ver.  3(Z — water  courses:  (D''0  "^i?^) palge  niayim;  not  rivers  {A.  V.),  but 
canals  or  aqtieducts  for  artificial  irrigation,  securing  a  supply  of  water  when 
natural  sources  fail. 

In  Ps.  xlvi.  4,  God's  provision  of  favor  and  blessing  for  Zion  is  illustrated 
by  the  same  figure.  The  poet  describes  a  principal  channel,  broad  and  deep, 
furnished  with  lateral  trenches  or  mains  for  distribution.  "  There  is  a  river 
whose  conduits  make  glad  the  city  of  God." 

In  Ps.  Ixv.  9,  the  hars-est  song  of  Israel,  the  same  word  is  used  poetically 
of  the  clouds  :   "  God's  water  courses  are  full  of  water." 

See  further  Prov.  xxi.  i  ; 

"  The  king's  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  Jehovah^  as  the  water  courses; 
He  turneth  it  whithersoever  He  will." 


The  value  of  the  illustration  lies  entirely  in  the  absolute  control  which  a 
man  has  over  that  which  he  has  constructed  for  a  given  purpose — in  the  fact 
that  he  does  convey  the  water  wherever  it  is  most  needed. 

This  is  the  original  and  proper  signification  oi peleg,  as  derived  ixoxa.  pdlag, 
to  cleave  (See  Gesenius,  Hcb.  Lex.  Ed.  Mulhau  and  Volck,  1883).  That  in 
Hebrew  and  the  cognate  languages  it  should  come  to  be  used  in  a  secondary 
sense  of  a  torrent  cleaving  its  own  way  from  the  hills,  is  very  natural. 
Its  earlier  reference  to  artificial  channels  does  not  forbid  us  to  think  of  the 
necessary  flow  as  originating  in  perennial  fountains  and  living  streams.  No 
system  of  irrigation  would  have  been  considered  complete  without  such 
unfailing  supply.  In  xlvi.  4,  already  referred  to,  a  river,  reminding  one  of 
the  river  of  Eden,  is  distinctly  mentioned,  and  by  the  same  designation 
{nd/iar).  In  this  case  the  accompanying  p^lagim  can  only  be  the  minor  chan- 
nels which  convey  the  water  of  the  river  to  every  house  and  every  inhabi- 
tant of  the  favored  city. 

Besides  the  places  already  cited,  peleg  is  used  in  Biblical  Hebrew  only  six 
times  :  Is.  xxx.  25,  of  streams  to  be  produced  by  Divine  favor  on  every  high 
mountain  ;  Is.  xxxii.  2,  of  streams  of -water  in  a  dry  place  \  Job.  xxix.  6, 
of  streams  of  oil  from  a  rock  ;  Prov.  v.  16,  of  streams  in  the  streets  ;  and 
Ps.  cxix.  136,  Lam.  iii.  48,  of  streams  running  from  the  eye.  These  in- 
stances are  hardly  sufficient  to  warrant  the  statement  that  this  word  is  ' '  the 
usual  name  for  brooks  in  Hebrew,  as  in  Arabic  and  Ethiopic  for  streams." 
(Am.  Ed.  of  Moll,  in  loco,  Schaff's  Lange).  The  usual  Hebrew  word  for 
brooks  is  pnj  inah''al),  which  is  translated  rivers  in  the  A.  V.  50  times,  and 
brooks  nearly  as  often.  Properly  it  applies  to  the  wady  or  valley,  as  well  as 
to  the  stream  that  flows  through  it.  The  n^k^altm  were  mostly  mere  winter 
torrents  (Job.  vi.  15),  but  some  were  perennial  (in^X,  Deut.  xxi.  4).  Such, 
and  uniformly  called  by  this  name,  were  the  Arnon,  the  Kishon  and  the 
Jabbok.  To  these,  and  not  to  the  p'^lagxm,  the  description  in  the  note 
above  referred  to  will  correctly  apply. 

Special  Note  on  the  Divine  Name  Jehovah. 
In  the  translation  the  grandest  of  all  Divine  names  is  restored  to  the  place 
which  it  occupies  in  the  original  Hebrew  Scriptures.  The  Jews  in  their 
superstitious  reverence  for  the  name  Jehovah  pronounced  'adondy  (Lord) 
instead  of  it.  Thus  Lord  was  carried  into  the  Septuagint  and  other 
Ancient  Versions,  and  through  these  has  come  into  our  own.  The  substi- 
tuted word  affords  no  glimpse  of  the  transporting  conception  of  God  that 
lies  in  the  word  that  has  been  so  singularly  displaced. 


The  attempt  to  find  some  other  etymolog}-  for  the  name  Jehovah  than 
that  which  is  suggested  in  Ex.  iii.,  is  futile,  and  has  its  origin  in  a  disposition 
to  adopt  any  wild  conjecture  that  disparages  the  historic  verity  of  the  Old 
Testament.  A  name  so  significant  of  hope  and  eternal  blessing  within  the 
reach  of  man,  ought  to  be  brought  out  from  its  hiding  into  the  prominence 
assigned  to  it  by  Di^-ine  edict.  It  is  described  bj-  some  as  a  purely  national 
designation,  and  they  refer  to  Jehovah  of  the  Jews  as  the  rival  or  counter- 
part of  the  Phoenician  Baal.  It  has  no  such  narrowness,  but  is  broader 
than  humanity  in  its  utmost  sweep  of  number,  duration,  or  possible  condi- 
tions. 

The  principal  points  are  the  following  : 

1.  The  derivation  of  the  name  from  the  verb  nTl  (/lifrd^,)  which  is  not 
merely  significant  of  existence,  as  distinguished  from  non-existence,  but  of 
manifested  existence  (See  note  on  i,  3).  It  is  distinctively  the  name  of 
revelation.  The  eternal  God  comes  out  from  the  unfathomable  depths  of 
His  infinite  nature  into  practical  and  historic  relations  with  men.  He 
comes  to  be  a  recognized  fact  and  the  most  important  factor  in  human 
affairs.  He  is  to  be  thought  of,  not  as  afar  off,  but  as  ever  at  hand  ;  not  as 
passive,  self-contained  and  self-absorbed,  but  as  energetic,  demonstrative, 
and  exuberant  in  favor  and  blessing — always  illustrating  the  glorious  prop- 
erties of  His  transcendent  being  by  glorious  acts.  He  projects  Himself  into 
the  life  and  history^  of  man,  compelling  the  recognition  of  His  claims  to  un- 
bounded homage  and  confidence. 

2.  The  form  Jehovah  (niiT)  is  related  to  the  imperfect  tense  of  the  verb. 
This  tense  form  is  often  employed  as  a  future,  but  properly  exhibits  what  is 
transpiring  continuously,  in  distinction  from  that  which  is  completed,  and 
being  presently  succeeded  by  other  events,  is  numbered  with  the  past. 
Proper  names  derived  from  this  form  of  the  verb  associate  some  permanent 
action,  quality,  or  condition  with  those  who  bear  them.  The  imperfect 
tense  of  hCiyd^  here  exhibits  a  nature  that  is  timeless,  in  the  sense  of  not 
being  limited  by  time,  or  belonging  to  all  time.  "  He  that  is,  and  that  was, 
and  that  is  to  come."  Rev.  i.  8.  "The  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for- 
ever." Heb.  xiii.  8. 

The  conception  of  the  Most  High  God,  as  Jehovah,  that  is  obtained  by  asso- 
ciating the  meaning  of  the  verb  with  its  tense  form,  is  that  of  wondrous 
adaptation  to  the  wants  of  those  whose  life  is  ever  sweeping  on  into  the 
future.  His  name  assures  them  that  in  every  time  of  need,  even  of  dire 
extremity  in  the  ages  to  come,  he  will  be  at  hand  for  their  deliverance. 
Throughout  all  time  he  may  be  expected  to  unfold  himself  in  new  aspects  of 


grace,  corresponding  with  new  conditions  of  human  existence,  an  ever- 
flowing  and  overflowing  fountain  of  life,  light,  and  joy  to  all  that  trust  in 
Him. 

3.  Jehovah  is  the  most  personal  of  all  Divine  names.  The  God  we  wor- 
ship is  not  the  deaf,  dumb,  blind  and  heartless  Baal  of  natural  law.  In 
response  to  our  cry  for  pity  and  aid,  He  says,  I  AM  ;  or  virtually,  passing 
over  from  the  abstract  to  the  living,  adaptive,  and  practical  conception  that 
we  have  discovered  in  the  words,  /  am  luith  ihee,  in  almighty,  loving,  and 
helpful  fellowship  ;  and  He  encourages  us  to  lift  our  hearts  to  Him,  and  to 
cry  in  the  same  rich  and  satisfying  sense.  He  is  ;  that  is.  He  hath  come  to 
me  as  mine  forever/ 

In  these  days  of  chill  materialism,  when  so  many  have  no  thought  of  God 
but  that  of  unintelligent  force,  we  do  well  to  emphasize  the  revelation  in  Holy 
Scripture  of  a  personal  God,  the  Father  of  Spirits,  coming  into  personal  re- 
lations with  us  in  our  lowliness,  exalting  our  existence  and  filling  it  with 
hope  by  mterweaving  it  with  His  own.  Of  such  personal  union  and  sym- 
pathy the  memorial  name  Jehovah  is  the  imperishable  pledge.  Because  He 
lives,  we  that  are  born  of  God  shall  live  also. 

4.  In  Ex.  iii.  14,  the  Divine  name  is  first  given  as  a  sentence  "  I  am  that 
lam."  The  whole  weight  and  force  of  this  sentence  are  presently  com- 
pressed into  the  single  word  ^'  I-AM,"  or  with  change  of  person  from  the 
first  to  the  third,  "Jehovah  "  {/IE-IS).  The  added  nTIK  "It^N  {ashcr  'eheyeh) 
may  signify  ''that  which  I  am  ";  exhibiting  Jehovah  as  one  whose  being  in 
all  its  manifestations  is  not  conformed  to  any  standard  or  measure  extrinsic 
to  himself — distinguished  from  all  others  by  its  transcendent,  incomparable, 
unapproachable  excellence.  (Compare  B^ITp  {Qddosh),  the  Holy  One,  from 
the  root-idea  of  separateness.)  Or,  it  may  mean,  "  because  I  am  " ;  exhibiting 
Him  as  one  whose  being,  as  now  revealed  in  gracious  dealings  with  men,  did 
not  originate,  and  is  not  maintained  or  determined  by  anything  outside  of 
Himself.  It  is  the  eternal,  self-existent,  independent  and  immutable  One 
who  now  comes  to  man,  sufficient  for  His  own  need  and  for  all  other  need. 
His  very  name  gives  the  strongest  assurance  of  the  accomplishment  of  all 
that  He  undertakes. 

5.  Apart  from  its  etymology  the  name  Jehovah  acquires  special  signifi- 
cance from  the  fact  that  it  is  connected  throughout  with  special  kindness  to 
men.  It  first  appears  after  the  account  of  creation  in  its  general  aspects  is 
complete,  when  the  sacred  historian  begins  to  tell  of  God's  dealings  with 
man  as  made  in  the  Divine  image.  These  were  always  gracious,  except  so 
far  as  man's  ill-doing  has  impeded  the  free  flow  of  grace,  and  compelled  the 


adoption  of  harsh  measures  to  arrest  the  ravages  of  sin.  But  in  spite  of 
this,  the  name  looms  up  in  the  patriarchal  history  as  a  pledge  of  blessing 
and  a  sure  anchor  of  hope.  Besides  Ex.  iii.  14  and  its  frequent  occurrence 
in  narrative  immediately  following,  notice  Gen.  xv.  7;  xxviii.  13;  Ex.  xv.  i, 
2;  XX.  2;  and  especially  the  emphatic  repetition  in  Ex.  xxxiv.  5,  6.  This  is 
the  "  name  that  is  above  every  name,"  (Phil.  ii.  9,  10,)  and  it  stands  for  all 
time,  by  God's  own  edict,  as  the  name  oi gracious  manifestation."  This  is 
My  Name  forever,  and  this  is  my  memorial  to  all  generations." 

PSALM  II 
Ver.  la — HEATHEN:  D^IJ  (gofim:)  lit.  nations.  The  rendering  of  the 
A.  V.  is  retained  here,  and  occasionally  elsewhere,  for  an  important  reason. 
Besides  its  primary  reference  to  foreign  nationality,  the  word  by  natural 
association  suggested  apostasy  from  God  and  the  most  shameful  wickedness. 
This  should  especially  be  remembered  in  Psalms  that  contain  imprecations 
against  the  nations  of  the  earth.  The  subject  of  the  Second  Psalm  is  the 
rebellion  of  heathendom  against  Jehovah  and  his  Messiah. 

Ver.  I. a — are  in  tumult:  A.  V.  7-age.  The  verb  CJ'JI  (rdgas/i)  seems  to 
be  mimetic.  It  suggests  external,  rather  than  internal  commotion — the  con- 
fused rumbling  and  shuffling  noise  made  by  a  crowd  moving  actively  about. 
It  is  used  only  here  in  Biblical  Hebrew;  but  in  Pss.  Iv.  15,  Ixiv.  3,  we  have 
its  derivatives,  regesh  and  rigshah  (masc.  and  fem.),  a  throng  or  crowd. 
This  is  quite  similar  to  pOH  {h^mon,)  a  multitude,  from  nOH  {hdmdh,)  to 
hum.  In  fact,  for  rdgash  the  Targums  here  use  hdmdh,  which  is  also 
mimetic,  but  weaker.  John  Milton  in  his  "  Poetic  Paraphrase "  renders 
the  line  ;  "  Wherefore  do  the  Gentiles  tumult,"  giving  the  meaning  admir- 
ably.    But  itimiilt  as  a  verb  has  become  obsolete. 

Ver.  i.rt — MUTTERING:  T\i^T]{/idgdh:)  A.  \.  imagine;  so  rendered  elsewhere 
only  in  xxxviii.  13.  The  word  imagine  is  used  in  old  English  law  of  conspir- 
ing or  plottitig  {Bouvier  s  Law  Dictionary),  a  signification  that  has  become 
obsolete. 

The  parallelism  and  context  suggest  a  rendering  more  in  accordance  with 
the  radical  meaning,  and  with  the  general  usage  of  the  word.  This  also  is 
mimetic,  and  is  used  of  the  mur7nnring  sound  of  the  harp,  the  cooing  of  a 
dove,  the  growl  of  a  lion,  the  rumbling  of  thunder,  the  moaning  of  distress, 
the  low  b real Jiing  or  whispering  of  praise  or  entreaty  into  the  ear  of  God; 
also  of  the  muttering  of  those  practising  incantation  (Is.  viii.  ig).  Especially 
notice  Is.  lix.  3,  ^'  thy  tongue  ?nuttercth  perz'ersencss."  It  finely  describes 
the  murmuring  of  discontent,  and  the  low  tones  in  which  conspirators 
discuss  their  plans. 


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